Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus)
Lesser White-fronted Goose

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

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).

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

Lesser White-fronted Geese on Birda

Photos
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
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
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.
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
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!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.