Greater White-fronted Goose Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A medium-sized, heavy-bodied goose with a small bill, thick legs, and a short neck.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Ross's Goose, smaller than a Canada Goose.

  goose-sized or larger

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 25.2-31.9 in (64-81 cm)
    • Weight: 68.8-116.8 oz (1951-3311 g)
    • Wingspan: 53.1 in (135 cm)

  © Derek Rogers / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Adults are mostly brown with white feathering around the base of a pinkish-orange bill. Black barring marks the belly and the undertail is white. In flight a white "U" at the base of the tail is visible. At rest, a thin white line stretches across their sides. Juveniles lack the belly banding and white feathering around the bill. Both juveniles and adults have orangish legs.

• Behavior

  Greater White-fronted Geese forage in groups in agricultural fields and on lakes, often with other geese. They are frequently the first to flush when disturbed and fly in circles before coming back down. During migration groups fly in "V" formation or in single file.
• Habitat

  Breeds in the tundra near wetlands, rivers, and ponds. Winters in agricultural fields, marshes, bays, and lakes. During migration forages in wet sedge meadows, tidal mudflats, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.