Taiga Bean Goose

The Taiga Bean Goose is a robust bird, with a length spanning from 68 to 90 centimeters, a wingspan stretching 140 to 174 centimeters, and a weight ranging between 1.7 and 4 kilograms. Males of the nominate subspecies tend to be heavier, averaging around 3.2 kilograms, while females average slightly less at 2.84 kilograms. The species is characterized by a distinctive bill, black at the base and tip, with a vivid orange band in the middle. The legs and feet share this bright orange coloration.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Taiga Bean Goose, look for the dark brown upper wing-coverts, which are edged with narrow white fringes. This feature sets it apart from similar species, though it shares this characteristic with the White-fronted and Lesser White-fronted Geese. The bill structure is a key identifier; it is long and narrow with a broad orange band in the nominate subspecies.

Habitat

The Taiga Bean Goose breeds in the northern expanses of Europe and Asia, favoring the taiga's dense forests.

Distribution

This migratory species winters further south in Europe and Asia. In Britain, it is a rare winter visitor, with regular wintering flocks found in the Yare Valley, Norfolk, and the Avon Valley, Scotland.

Behaviour

The Taiga Bean Goose is migratory, traveling across various flyways to reach its wintering grounds. It has a history of grazing in bean field stubbles during winter, a habit from which its common name is derived.

Song & Calls

The species is known for its loud honking call, which is higher pitched in smaller subspecies.

Similar Species

The closely related Pink-footed Goose has a shorter, bright pink bill and pink feet, with upper wing-coverts that are nearly the same bluish-grey as in the Greylag Goose. The Taiga Bean Goose can be confused with the Tundra Bean Goose; however, the latter typically has a shorter neck and different call.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Taiga Bean Goose as Least Concern, indicating that it currently does not face a significant threat of extinction.