The RSPB: Bean goose

Bean goose

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Latin name

Anser fabalis

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

The bean goose is one of the 'grey geese'. It tends to be darker and browner than the other species in this group, and to have a darker head and neck. It breeds in north Scandinavia, north Russia and north Asia, and visits Britain in small numbers in autumn and winter. Most of the birds that winter here come from Scandinavia, where the breeding population has declined in the last 20 years. Possible reasons for this decline include increased human disturbance, changes in agriculture and direct persecution.

Where to see them

The best place in Britain to see bean geese is the Yare Valley in Norfolk, which includes the RSPB's Mid-Yare nature reserves. Another flock winters near Falkirk in southern Scotland. Small numbers of the smaller, shorter-billed tundra-breeding race are seen elsewhere, especially if the weather is very cold.

When to see them

Between late September and March.

What they eat

Grass, cereals, potatoes and other crops.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	-	500 birds	-

* 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

In the UK: South-west Scotland and Norfolk
In Europe: N Scandinavia, W Siberia and western Europe
Worldwide: Northern Europe and Asia

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

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)