Bar-headed Goose Bird Details
Anser indicus
Bar-headed Goose,Indian Goose, Himalayan Goose;
Rajhans
Latham, 1790
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anser
Appearance :
The Bar-headed Goose is medium to large-sized with a distinctive appearance. It has light grayish-white plumage on the body, with a white face and neck. It gets its name from the two black bars or stripes that run across the back of its head. The beak and legs are orange, while the wings have darker gray tips. Their wings are long and built for high-altitude flight.
Behaviour :
Known for their remarkable migratory behavior, flying over the Himalayas at altitudes of more than 20,000 feet (6,100 meters), making them one of the highest-flying birds in the world. They are social birds, often seen in large flocks. Mostly diurnal, they are excellent swimmers and strong fliers. Bar-headed Geese are known for their cooperative behavior during migration, often flying in V-formations.
Habitat :
These geese prefer wetlands, high-altitude lakes, and rivers during the breeding season, which typically occurs in the high-altitude plains of Central Asia. In the winter, they migrate to lowland wetlands, lakes, marshes, and agricultural fields.
Diet :
Bar-headed Geese are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, grains, and agricultural crops like wheat, barley, and rice. They may also consume aquatic vegetation and algae.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Breeding occurs in the high-altitude regions of China, Mongolia, and Tibet. Winter migration takes them to India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be around 52,000 to 60,000 individuals.
Life Span :
The average lifespan in the wild is around 20 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Bar-headed Goose has a sturdy, streamlined body well adapted for long-distance flight and high-altitude conditions.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg) length is approximately 75–85 mm, allowing them to wade easily in wetlands.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is small and white with two distinct black horizontal bars running across the back, giving the species its name.
- Bill: The bill is short, slightly conical, and orange in color.
- Bill Length: Approximately 45–50 mm.
Length :
The total body length ranges from 68–78 cm.
Neck :
The neck is moderately long, proportionate to their body, allowing them to graze effectively on the ground or in shallow waters.
Size :
Medium to large-sized goose species.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and slightly rounded.
- Tail Length: Tail length is approximately 135–145 mm.
- Feathers: The feathers are primarily light gray to white, with darker gray on the wings and two distinct black bars on the back of the head. The underbelly is lighter, almost white.
Weight :
Bar-headed Geese weigh between 2–3.2 kg
Wing :
The wings are long, broad, and pointed, which is typical of migratory birds. These wing features are well-suited for sustained, high-altitude flights.
Wing Span :
The wingspan is approximately 140–160 cm.
Facial Feature :
The head is white with two distinctive black bars across the back of the head. Their eyes are dark brown, and the bill is short and orange.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are usually located on the ground, often on rocky cliffs, islands in lakes, or riverbanks to protect from predators. They are placed in secluded areas, sometimes near water.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is made of grass, feathers, and down plucked from the adult birds, with additional vegetation to provide insulation.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period occurs in the summer, primarily from May to July
Nesting Season :
Nesting takes place shortly after the geese arrive at their breeding grounds, which are often located at altitudes of over 4,000 meters in the Tibetan Plateau, Mongolia, and nearby regions.
Egg Color :
The eggs are creamy white or pale buff in color.
Egg Length :
Eggs measure around 85–90 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Egg width is about 55–60 mm.
- Egg Weight: The weight of each egg is approximately 130–170 grams.
Clutch Size :
The clutch typically contains 3 to 6 eggs, though it can sometimes reach 8.
No. of Broods :
Usually one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
he incubation period lasts 27 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
The chicks are precocial (able to walk and swim soon after hatching) and leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching. They are cared for by both parents and can fly at around 50 to 55 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Bar-headed Geese have a variety of honking calls. Their vocalization is typically a loud "cackling" or honking sound, especially during migration or when alarmed.
Sex Demorphism :
Males tend to be slightly larger than females.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern:
- Bar-headed Geese undertake one of the most incredible migration journeys, flying over the Himalayas, reaching altitudes of over 7,000 meters.
- They migrate between the lowland wintering grounds and the high-altitude breeding grounds. Their ability to fly in thin air with reduced oxygen levels is an extraordinary adaptation.
Migration Period:
- The migration typically occurs twice a year:
- Autumn Migration: From September to October, when they fly south to India and other wintering areas.
- Spring Migration: From March to April, when they return north to their breeding grounds in Central Asia.
Migration Route:
- The Bar-headed Geese migrate along a north-south route:
- Breeding Grounds: Central Asia, including Tibet, Mongolia, and western China.
- Wintering Grounds: South Asia, primarily in northern and central India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
- The migration route includes crossing over the Himalayas, with some birds recorded flying over Mount Everest.
