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Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

Vulnerable
Envergure
69,1 cm
Poids
1253,25 g
Famille
Anatidae
Ordre
Anseriformes

À propos

A small strikingly patterned goose with a vivid chestnut-red breast and face patch, black-and-white body, and white flank stripe. Breeds in Siberian tundra; winters mainly around the Black Sea. One of the most colorful and endangered geese, threatened by hunting and agricultural changes at wintering sites.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Envergure 69,1 cm 27.2 in
Poids 1253,25 g 44.21 oz

Identification

Plumage

Unmistakable; vivid chestnut-red patch on face and breast bordered by white stripes. Black crown, back, wings, and belly. White flank stripe and undertail. Compact and striking. Sexes similar.

Habitat & Range

Breeds on river-terrace tundra in northwestern Siberia, often near Peregrine or Rough-legged Buzzard nests for protection. Winters on agricultural steppes and lake margins around the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.

Répartition géographique

Breeds in Arctic and subarctic tundra in North America; winters along both US coasts and interior wetlands south to Central America.

Diet & Feeding

Grazes grasses, seeds, and aquatic plants; introduced to many wetlands; upends in shallow water for submerged vegetation.

Statut de conservation

Vulnerable
IUCN Red List

Comportement et reproduction

Nidification

Nest type: HC. Incubation: 23-25 days. Fledging: 35-42 days.

Taille de la couvée

3-10

Son

Chant

A high-pitched, rapid 'kik-kik-kik' call. More vocal during migration; flocks give constant chattering. Considered a more squeaky, high-pitched call than other Branta geese.

Taxonomie

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Ordre Anseriformes (Waterfowl)
Famille Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans)
Genus Branta
Espèces Branta ruficollis

Distribution

Red-breasted Goose has been recorded in 7 countries.

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Présent Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Foire aux questions

What does the Red-breasted Goose eat?
Grazes grasses, seeds, and aquatic plants; introduced to many wetlands; upends in shallow water for submerged vegetation.
Where does the Red-breasted Goose live?
Breeds on river-terrace tundra in northwestern Siberia, often near Peregrine or Rough-legged Buzzard nests for protection. Winters on agricultural steppes and lake margins around the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.
Is the Red-breasted Goose endangered?
The Red-breasted Goose has a conservation status of Vulnerable.
How does the Red-breasted Goose nest?
Nest type: HC. Incubation: 23-25 days. Fledging: 35-42 days.
What does the Red-breasted Goose sound like?
A high-pitched, rapid 'kik-kik-kik' call. More vocal during migration; flocks give constant chattering. Considered a more squeaky, high-pitched call than other Branta geese.
How big is the Red-breasted Goose?
The Red-breasted Goose has a wingspan of 69.1 cm, weight of 1253.25 g.
What order and family does the Red-breasted Goose belong to?
The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) belongs to the order Anseriformes and the family Anatidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Anatidae family

Comparer

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