Lesser White-fronted Goose

The Lesser White-fronted Goose, Anser erythropus, presents a charming spectacle with its bright orange legs and mouse-coloured upper wing-coverts, a stark contrast to the greylag goose's more subdued palette. This diminutive bird, stretching only 53–66 cm in length and boasting a wingspan of 120–135 cm, is comparable in size to the familiar mallard.

Identification Tips

Upon sighting, one may note the striking white face and the pronounced black bars crossing the belly, hallmarks of the white-fronted goose species. The Lesser White-fronted Goose can be distinguished from its larger relative by its smaller stature, the conspicuous yellow eye-ring, and the white facial blaze that extends up to the crown.

Habitat

This species is adapted to the northernmost reaches of the Palearctic, where it breeds, and ventures further south into Europe for wintering.

Distribution

The Lesser White-fronted Goose is a rare winter vagrant to Great Britain and India. Its presence in Europe has diminished, leading to less frequent sightings compared to historical records.

Behaviour

These geese are known to be kept in wildfowl collections, and thus, sightings during summer or alongside feral geese often indicate escapees from captivity.

Fennoscandian Population

A genetically distinct and critically endangered group of these geese exists in Fennoscandia, with an estimated 20 breeding pairs or 60–80 individuals. They breed in northern Norway and Sweden, migrating to wintering grounds in Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Germany. Key stop-over sites include Hortobágy National Park in Hungary.

Diet and Feeding

The Lesser White-fronted Goose typically feeds on a variety of plant material, including grasses, roots, and seeds.

Similar Species

The Greater White-fronted Goose, A. albifrons, is similar in appearance but larger in size. The Greylag Goose can be differentiated by its flesh-coloured bill and legs, and bluish-grey upper wing-coverts.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the northern Palearctic, with reintroduction attempts in Fennoscandia.

Conservation Status

The Lesser White-fronted Goose is currently classified as Vulnerable, with concerted efforts underway to reintroduce individuals into the wild to bolster the population. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).