Lesser White-fronted Goose

Overview

The lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus) is a goose closely related to the larger greater white-fronted goose. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a scarce breeder in Europe, with reintroduction programmes currently active in Fennoscandia.

Identification

• Length of 53–66 cm with a wingspan of 120–135 cm, making it only slightly larger than a mallard.
• Bright orange legs and mouse-coloured upper wing-coverts distinguish it from the greylag goose.
• Conspicuous white face with the white facial blaze extending up to the crown, along with broad black bars crossing the belly.
• Adults possess an obvious yellow eye-ring.

Habitat

This species breeds in the northernmost Palearctic, including northern Norway and northern Sweden. It winters further south in Europe, with populations utilising sites in Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Germany, while a major stop-over site is located at Hortobágy National Park in Hungary.

Did you know?

Individuals formerly appeared so regularly at WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire, England, that they directly inspired Sir Peter Scott to establish The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.