Tundra Bean Goose

The Tundra Bean Goose, Anser serrirostris, is a robust bird that graces the northern Siberian landscape with its presence. With a length stretching from 68 to 90 centimeters and a wingspan of 140 to 174 centimeters, it is a sizeable goose, weighing between 1.7 and 4 kilograms. The males of the nominate subspecies tip the scales at an average of 3.2 kilograms, while females are slightly lighter, averaging 2.84 kilograms. Its bill is a striking feature, black at the base and tip with a vivid orange band in the middle, complemented by legs and feet of a similar bright orange hue.

Identification Tips

When observing the Tundra Bean Goose, note the dark brown upper wing-coverts, which bear a resemblance to those of the White-fronted Goose and the Lesser White-fronted Goose. However, it can be distinguished by the narrow white fringes on its feathers. The bill's structure varies between subspecies, with the northern Russian tundra's A. s. rossicus sporting a shorter, stubbier bill, while the East Siberian A. s. serrirostris has a longer and stouter bill, both featuring the narrow orange band.

Habitat

This species breeds in the remote expanses of northern Siberia, where it finds the solitude and space it requires.

Distribution

During the winter months, the Tundra Bean Goose migrates southward into Asia. It does not have regular wintering sites but can be spotted in small flocks mingling with other grey goose species. Notable locations where they are seen include WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire and the Holkham Marshes in Norfolk.

Behaviour

The Tundra Bean Goose is migratory, traversing vast distances between its breeding and wintering grounds. It is known to form small groups during the non-breeding season.

Song & Calls

The call of the Tundra Bean Goose is a distinctive loud honking, with the pitch being higher in the smaller subspecies.

Breeding

The breeding grounds of the Tundra Bean Goose are located in the northern reaches of Siberia.

Similar Species

The closely related Pink-footed Goose, Anser brachyrhynchus, may be confused with the Tundra Bean Goose. However, the Pink-footed Goose has a shorter, bright pink bill, pink feet, and upper wing-coverts that are nearly the same bluish-grey as in the Greylag Goose.

Diet and Feeding

The Tundra Bean Goose typically feeds on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, roots, and aquatic plants.

Conservation status

The Tundra Bean Goose is subject to conservation efforts under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), particularly the subspecies A. s. rossicus.