Taiga Bean-Goose Bird Details
Anser fabalis
Taiga Bean-Goose,Bean Goose;
NA
John Latham, 1787
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anser
Appearance :
Medium to large-sized goose. Brownish-grey body with darker head and neck. Pale grey underparts. Distinctive orange band on the bill. Pinkish-orange legs and feet.
Behaviour :
Highly migratory. Forms large flocks, especially during migration and in wintering areas. Feeds primarily in fields during the day and roosts in water bodies at night. Communicates with a honking call typical of geese.
Habitat :
Prefers wetlands, tundra, and taiga regions for breeding. In winter, it is found in marshes, riversides, and agricultural fields.
Diet :
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, grains, and aquatic plants. During migration and winter, they may also forage in agricultural fields for seeds and crops like grains and beans.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Breeds in northern Europe and Asia, mainly in taiga zones. Winters in parts of southern Europe, East Asia, and some parts of Central Asia.
Population Size :
Global population estimated to be around 500,000 to 800,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Typically 10-15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium to large-sized goose with a robust body, long neck, and strong legs. Brownish-grey overall, with darker shades on the head and neck.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 70-90 mm (varies by individual).
Head And Bill :
- Head: Dark brown with a prominent flat crown and a slightly concave forehead.
- Bill: The bill is relatively short black with an orange band in the middle.
- Bill Length: Typically measuring 45-60 mm.
Length :
Total length ranges from 68 to 90 cm (26.7 to 35.4 inches).
Neck :
Long and slender, brownish in color, used for probing the ground during foraging.
Size :
A large species of goose, typically weighing between 2.8 to 4.5 kg.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and wedge-shaped, typically hidden beneath body feathers.
- Tail Length: Around 12-15 cm.
- Feathers: Brownish-grey body feathers, with slightly paler underparts and darker feathers on the wings. Feathers are dense and water-resistant.
Weight :
2.8 to 4.5 kg (6.2 to 9.9 pounds), depending on the season and individual bird.
Wing :
Broad wings, designed for sustained migratory flight. Rounded tips help in gliding and flying long distances.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges between 140 to 174 cm (55 to 68 inches).
Facial Feature :
Dark brown head and neck, with a distinctive orange band on the bill.
Nest Details :
- Nest: A shallow depression on the ground, usually located in dense vegetation near water.
- Nest Made Up Of: Lined with grasses, moss, and down feathers from the female to insulate the eggs.
Breeding Season :
Typically begins in May or early June.
Nesting Season :
Late spring to early summer (May to July).
Egg Color :
White or pale creamy, with little to no markings.
Egg Length :
Approximately 80-90 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 56-62 mm.
- Egg Weight: Roughly 130-160 grams per egg.
Clutch Size :
Typically 3 to 5 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
One brood per year.
Incubation Period :
Approximately 27-29 days.
Nestling Period :
The goslings leave the nest within 1-2 days of hatching.
Vocalization :
The Taiga Bean-Goose has a distinctive "honking" call similar to other geese but somewhat lower in pitch. It also makes a softer “ka-ka-ka” sound in flight.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are slightly larger on average.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Strongly migratory, traveling in flocks from northern breeding grounds to southern wintering areas.
- Migration Period: Begins in late September or October, with return migration in March to April.
- Migration Route: Travels from northern Europe and Siberia to wintering grounds in southern Europe, East Asia, and parts of Central Asia. Key stopover points include lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
