Pink-footed Goose

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.