Greater (Greenland) White-fronted Geese
The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of goose which is closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. The Latin name, Anser albifrons, is derived from anser meaning "goose" and albus meaning "white" and frons meaning “forehead”.
The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far.
The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance
The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, A. a. albifrons, breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, A. a. flavirostris, breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species.
Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success.
Date: 30th January 2020
Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland
The Greater White-fronted Goose is 25 to 32 inches in length with a 51 to 65 inches wingspan and weighs 4.3 to 7.3 pounds. It is smaller than the Greylag Goose and, as well as being larger than the Lesser White-fronted Goose, it lacks the yellow eye-ring of that species and the white facial blaze does not extend upwards so far.
The Greater White-fronted Goose is a greyish-brown goose with a light grey breast dappled with dark brown to black blotches and bar, a pinkish bill and orange legs and feet. The male is typically larger in size but both sexes are similar in appearance
The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into 5 subspecies. The nominate subspecies Eurasian or Russian White-fronted Goose, A. a. albifrons, breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters further south and west in Europe, including England and Wales. The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose, A. a. flavirostris, breeds in west Greenland and is much darker overall with only a very narrow white tip to the tail (broader on the other races), more black barring on its belly and usually has an orange (not pink) bill. It winters in Ireland and west Scotland. Some ecological studies suggest that the Greenland White-fronted Goose should probably be considered a separate species.
Weather conditions are a key factor in the annual breeding success of the Greater White-fronted Goose. In the Arctic, the window of opportunity for nesting, incubating eggs and raising a brood is open briefly for about 3 months. Arriving in late May or early June, Greater White-fronted Geese begin departing for their wintering areas in early September. This means that a delayed snowmelt or late spring storm can significantly reduce breeding success.
Date: 30th January 2020
Location: Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford, Ireland
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Also in: Ireland - January and February 2020
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