About the Barnacle Goose
The barnacle goose is a species of goose that belongs to the genus Branta of black geese, which contains species with extensive black in the plumage, distinguishing them from the grey Anser species. Despite its superficial similarity to the brant goose, genetic analysis has shown its closest relative is the cackling goose.
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The barnacle goose is a medium-sized goose, 55–70 cm (22–28 in) long, with a wingspan of 120–145 cm (47–57 in) and a weight of 1.21–2.23 kg (2.7–4.9 lb), with black legs and a small, stubby black bill. It has a white face and black head, neck, and upper breast. Its belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-grey with black-and-white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on it. During flight, a V-shaped white rump patch and the silver-grey underwing linings are visible.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Barnacle Goose sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Luxembourg, South Africa, Morocco, India, Mongolia.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Cackling GooseBranta hutchinsiiThe black head and neck with white "chinstrap" distinguish this goose from all other geese except the larger Canada goose (Branta canadensis) and the similarly sized barnacle goose (B. leucopsis).
Brant GooseBranta berniclaThe brant is a small goose with a short, stubby bill.
NeneBranta sandvicensisThe nene is a large-sized goose at 41 cm (16 in) tall.
Side by side: Barnacle Goose vs Canada Goose · Barnacle Goose vs Brant Goose · Barnacle Goose vs Cackling Goose
Learn the Barnacle Goose for real
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