Key information
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 which breed in Greenland and birds which breed in Siberia. The current wintering areas need protection, including avoiding drainage of traditional wintering areas in southern England.
What they eat:
Grass, clover, grain, winter wheat and potatoes.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 65-78cm
- Wingspan:
- 130-165cm
- Weight:
- 1.9-2.5kg
Population:
- UK wintering:
- 2,400 birds from the European population and 13,000 from Greenland
Identifying features:
White-fronted goose
