Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anser-albifrons"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-large goose with a white forehead patch, orange bill, grey-brown plumage, and variable black barring on the belly. Widespread and numerous; one of the most abundant geese in the world. Breeds across the high Arctic; winters in a wide range of temperate wetland and agricultural habitats.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 81.6 cm | 32.1 in |
| Weight | 2471.0 g | 87.16 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Brown-gray body with white forehead patch bordered by white band at bill base. Underparts with bold irregular black bars on belly. Orange bill; orange-yellow legs. Juveniles lack white front and belly bars.
Habitat & Range
Breeds on Arctic and subarctic tundra and peatlands. Winters on estuaries, agricultural fields, freshwater marshes, and flooded meadows across Europe, Asia, and North America. One of the most widespread geese.
Geographic Range
Breeds in the potholes region of the northern Great Plains; winters in the southern United States and along the Gulf Coast.
Diet & Feeding
Dabbles for aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plant material; diet shifts heavily toward invertebrates in breeding season.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 22-28 days. Fledging: 38-45 days.
Clutch Size
3-9
Sound
Song
A loud, laughing 'kow-lyuk' or musical 'wah-wah'. Gives a distinctive high-pitched yodeling quality lacking in Greylag. Highly vocal in large winter flocks.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | Anser albifrons |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greater White-fronted Goose eat?
Where does the Greater White-fronted Goose live?
Is the Greater White-fronted Goose endangered?
How does the Greater White-fronted Goose nest?
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How big is the Greater White-fronted Goose?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family