Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus)
Pink-footed Goose

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchus

The Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus), affectionately known as "pinkfoot" among enthusiasts, is a medium-sized goose species. It measures 60–75 cm in length, with a wingspan of 135–170 cm, and weighs between 1.8–3.4 kg. Its most distinctive features include a short bill, which is bright pink in the middle with a black base and tip, and matching pink feet. The plumage is a mid-grey-brown, with the head and neck a richer, darker brown. The rump and vent are white, and the tail is grey with a broad white tip. The upper wing-coverts are pale bluish-grey, similar to those of the Greylag Goose, and the flight feathers are blackish-grey.

Identification Tips

To identify the Pink-footed Goose, look for its short pink bill with a black base and tip, and its pink feet. The body is mid-grey-brown, with a darker brown head and neck. The white rump and vent, along with the grey tail with a white tip, are also key identification markers. In flight, listen for its high-pitched honking calls.

Habitat

The Pink-footed Goose breeds in eastern Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, and recently Novaya Zemlya. Nesting often occurs on cliffs close to glaciers or on islets in lakes, providing protection from predators such as the Arctic fox.

Distribution

This migratory species winters in northwest Europe, particularly in Ireland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and western Denmark. It has a remarkable ability to expand its range, as evidenced by the rapid formation of a new breeding population on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in Russia.

Behaviour

The Pink-footed Goose is known for its spectacularly large wintering flocks that graze on farmland. It is highly vocal, especially in flight, with large skeins producing an almost deafening chorus of honks.

Song & Calls

The species is vocal with a medley of high-pitched honking calls, particularly noticeable when in flight.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in May, with three to six eggs laid. Goslings accompany their parents on foot to the nearest lake, where they fledge after about 56 days. The species has shown remarkable adaptability in establishing new breeding grounds in response to climate change.

Diet and Feeding

The Pink-footed Goose is almost entirely vegetarian. In summer, it feeds on a variety of tundra plants, while in winter, it grazes on oilseed rape, sugar beet, potatoes, and various grasses. Its grazing can benefit farmers by reducing the transmission of crop diseases.

Conservation status

The Pink-footed Goose is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Populations have risen significantly over the past 50 years due to increased protection from shooting on wintering grounds.

Similar Species

The Pink-footed Goose is closely related to the Bean Goose (Anser fabalis), but can be distinguished by the pink on its bill and legs, where the Bean Goose has orange, and by its paler, greyer plumage tones. It is similar in size to the small rossicus subspecies of Bean Goose but is distinctly smaller than the nominate subspecies fabalis.

Pink-footed Goose Sounds



Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Pink-footed Goose Fun Facts

Did you know?
The Pink-footed Goose's scientific name translates to Short Bill Goose.
Did you know?
Pink-footed Geese nest on cliffs near glaciers to escape ground predators like foxes.

Pink-footed Geese on Birda

Sightings

More Ducks, Geese, Swans

A photo of a Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) , male

Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulata
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
778
Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.