Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anser-indicus"></birdfyi-bird>The Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese & swans), within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 87.6 cm and a weight of 2.3 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
Famous as one of the world's highest-flying birds, crossing the Himalayas at altitudes exceeding 7,000 m during migration. Medium-sized, pale grey with two distinctive black bars on the white head. Breeds on high-altitude lakes; winters in South Asian wetlands. Specialized haemoglobin enables high-altitude flight.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 87.6 cm | 34.5 in |
| Weight | 2288.0 g | 80.71 oz |
Identification
Plumage
White head with two distinctive black bars across crown. Yellow-orange bill and legs. Back and wings pale gray; underparts white. Black-tipped primaries. Sexes similar; famed for Himalayan migration.
Habitat & Range
Breeds on high-altitude lakes and rivers at 4,000–5,000 m in Central Asia (Tibet, Mongolia, Ladakh). Migrates over the Himalayas. Winters on rivers, lakes, and agricultural fields in the Indian subcontinent.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC. Incubation: 27-30 days. Fledging: 49-80 days.
Clutch Size
3-8
Sound
Song
A nasal, goose-like honking 'wang-wang-wang'. Flocks give persistent calling during high-altitude Himalayan migration — among the highest migrations of any bird species.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | Anser indicus |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Bar-headed Goose live?
Is the Bar-headed Goose endangered?
How does the Bar-headed Goose nest?
What does the Bar-headed Goose sound like?
How big is the Bar-headed Goose?
What order and family does the Bar-headed Goose belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family