The RSPB: Pink-footed goose

Pink-footed goose

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Latin name

Anser brachyrhynchus

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

The pink-footed goose is a medium-sized goose, smaller than a mute swan but bigger than a mallard. It is pinkish grey with a dark head and neck, a pink bill and pink feet and legs. It looks a bit daintier than other geese. This species does not breed in the UK, but large numbers of birds spend the winter here, arriving from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland. Numbers in England are on the increase, particularly around The Wash, probably due to better protection at winter roosts.

Where to see them

Large estuaries, such as on the east Scottish coast, The Wash, the Ribble and the Solway, or on surrounding farmland where birds go in the day to feed.

When to see them

They arrive in the UK in October and depart in April.

What they eat

Grain, winter cereals, potatoes and grass.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	-	241,000 individual 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

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)