The RSPB: White-fronted goose

White-fronted goose

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Latin name

Anser albifrons

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

The white-fronted goose is a grey goose, bigger than a mallard and smaller than a mute swan. Adults have a large white patch at the front of the head around the beak and bold black bars on the belly. The legs are orange and Siberian birds have pink bills, while Greenland birds have orange bills. This species does not breed in the UK. Two races visit the UK in winter - birds that breed in Greenland and birds that breed in Siberia. The current wintering areas need protection, including avoiding drainage of traditional wintering areas in southern England.

Where to see them

South England especially the Severn estuary in Gloucester and the Swale estuary in Kent for Siberian birds; Ireland and West Scotland for Greenland birds.

When to see them

October to March

What they eat

Grass, clover, grain, winter wheat and potatoes

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	-	26,790 individuals	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)