Bird Guide

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

VulnerablePlantsGrasslandPlatform nestHuge · 1.8 kg

About the Lesser White-fronted Goose

The lesser white-fronted goose is a goose closely related to the larger greater white-fronted goose. It breeds in the northernmost Palearctic, but it is a scarce breeder in Europe, with a reintroduction attempt in Fennoscandia.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

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The two white-fronted goose species differ little other than in size (the lesser, at 53–66 cm (21–26 in) length and with a 120–135 cm (47–53 in) wingspan, is not much bigger than a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)), but both may be readily distinguished from the greylag goose by their bright orange legs and their mouse-coloured upper wing-coverts. The greylag goose has a flesh-coloured bill and legs and the upper wing-coverts are bluish-grey. Both white-fronted goose species have a very conspicuous white face and broad black bars which cross the belly.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Lesser White-fronted Goose lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Spain, Finland, Portugal, United States, Ireland, Switzerland.

When to see the Lesser White-fronted Goose

Peak activity in April · a passage migrant species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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