At a Glance

An attractive small goose, nesting on Arctic coasts from northeastern Greenland east to Siberia, and wintering in northwestern Europe. Greenland birds may occasionally go off course and reach northeastern North America. However, this is a popular aviary bird, and most Barnacle Geese seen on this continent have probably escaped from captivity.
Category
Duck-like Birds, Ducks and Geese
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Fields, Meadows, and Grasslands, Freshwater Wetlands, Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers, Saltwater Wetlands, Tundra and Boreal Habitats
Region
Mid Atlantic, New England, Southeast
Behavior
Direct Flight, Formation

Range & Identification

Description

25-28" (63.5-71 cm). Black neck and cap surrounding white face. Small dark bill, barred gray back. Black chest contrasts with white belly.
Size
About the size of a Heron, About the size of a Mallard or Herring Gull
Color
Black, Gray, White
Wing Shape
Fingered, Long, Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Rounded, Short, Square-tipped

Songs and Calls

A short barking note, sometimes rapidly repeated.
Call Type
Odd

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