Barnacle Goose

Overview

The barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) is a medium-sized species of goose belonging to the genus Branta, distinguished by extensive black plumage and a white face. Despite its superficial similarity to the brant goose, genetic analysis indicates its closest relative is the cackling goose.

Identification

• Medium-sized goose measuring 55–70 cm in length with a wingspan of 120–145 cm and a weight of 1.21–2.23 kg.
• Features a white face, black head, neck, and upper breast, contrasted with a white belly.
• Wings and back are silver-grey with black-and-white bars that appear to shine in the light, accompanied by a V-shaped white rump patch and silver-grey underwing linings visible in flight.
• Possesses a small, stubby black bill and black legs.

Habitat

The species inhabits five main populations with separate breeding and wintering ranges, including eastern Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, the Russian Arctic, and islands in the Baltic and southern North Sea. Breeding sites are typically small islands or high mountain cliffs, while wintering grounds include western Scotland, western Ireland, the Solway Firth, and the Wadden Sea area.

Did you know?

A rare leucistic form of the barnacle goose exists, characterised by white plumage with black eyes, beak, and legs, and has been reported in the Svalbard/Solway Firth population.