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.
