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Gloucestershire Wildfowlers Association Wildfowl Identification


White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

66–76 cm (26–30 in)

Two races of the White-fronted goose regularly occur in the British Isles: the European White-front (Anser a. albifrons) and the Greenland white-front (A. a. flavirostris). The two races are distinguishable in the field and have markedly different winter ranges, but they are both protected in Scotland. The following description relates to the European White-fronted goose as there is no open season for white-fronted goose in Scotland where the majority of the Greenland race occurs. Medium-sized grey-brown goose characterised by white band at base of upper bill and black bars on belly. Amount of black on underside very variable. Young birds lack these characteristics, but are normally found among adults. Generally dark greyish-brown plumage, fairly long pink bill, orange legs. Can be confused with pink-footed goose (especially immature birds), greylag and bean goose (protected), but generally distinguished by small size, uniformly dark plumage.

I am grateful to BASC who allowed us to use this information which is reprinted from their 'Pocket Guide to Quarry Identification' ©1984 British Association for Shooting and Conservation.

 

 

 

 

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