Greater White-fronted Goose

The Greater White-fronted Goose is a medium-sized brown goose named for the white patch of feathers surrounding the base of its bill, which contrasts with its otherwise grayish-brown body. Adults show bold, irregular black barring across the belly (giving rise to the nickname 'specklebelly'), a pink or orange bill, and orange legs.

This goose breeds on Arctic tundra across North America and Eurasia and winters in large flocks on wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields well to the south, often mixing with other goose species.

Key field marks

• Grayish-brown body with a white patch surrounding the base of the bill (absent in juveniles)
• Irregular black barring across the belly, especially bold in older adults
• Pink or orange bill, orange legs and feet

Similar species

Juvenile birds lack the white face patch and belly barring, and can be confused with immature Greylag or other gray geese, but the orange legs and overall structure help identify them. The Bar-headed Goose is much paler gray overall with distinct black head bars rather than a white face patch, and lacks belly barring.

Greater White-fronted Geese breed on Arctic tundra across northern North America, Greenland, and Eurasia, nesting on the ground near wetlands. They are highly migratory, wintering on marshes, rice fields, and agricultural land across the southern United States, parts of Mexico, Europe, and Asia, often forming large, vocal flocks at traditional wintering sites.

Behavior

Gregarious outside the breeding season, forming flocks that graze extensively on agricultural fields and wetlands; pairs and family groups remain together within larger flocks.

Voice

Gives a distinctive, high-pitched, laughing or yelping call, often rendered as 'kah-lah-aluck,' quite different from the deeper honk of Canada Goose.

Feeding

Grasses, sedges, grains, and roots, obtained by grazing in fields and wetlands.

Nesting

Nests on the ground on Arctic tundra, often near small lakes or wetlands; clutches typically hold 4-6 eggs.