Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficollis
The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found in 45 countries, weighing about 1.2 kg. The red-breasted goose is a brightly marked species of goose in the genus Branta from Eurasia.
About the Red-breasted Goose
The red-breasted goose is a brightly marked species of goose in the genus Branta from Eurasia. It is currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
All the species of the genus Branta are distinguished by their dark sooty colour, relieved by white, and as a distinction from the grey geese of the genus Anser. This bird measures 53–56 cm (21–22 in) in length, 1.16–1.35 m (3.8–4.4 ft) in wingspan. It is sexually dimorphic, with males being slightly heavier than females, weighing 1.2–1.62 kg (2.6–3.6 lb) and 1.05–1.13 kg (2.3–2.5 lb), respectively. This brightly marked species is unmistakable, but can be surprisingly difficult to find amongst brant geese. At long distances, the red of the breast tends to look dark.
What the Red-breasted Goose sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Spain, United States, Ireland, Israel, Slovenia, Iran, South Korea.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Red-breasted Goose?
- All the species of the genus Branta are distinguished by their dark sooty colour, relieved by white, and as a distinction from the grey geese of the genus Anser. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Red-breasted Goose?
- The Red-breasted Goose is a large sized bird weighing about 1.2 kg.
- Where can you see a Red-breasted Goose?
- The Red-breasted Goose occurs in 45 countries, including Sweden, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia.
- What does a Red-breasted Goose sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Red-breasted Goose on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Red-breasted Goose?
- The Red-breasted Goose is most easily confused with the Nene, the Barnacle Goose and the Cackling Goose.
- Is the Red-breasted Goose endangered?
- The Red-breasted Goose is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Red-breasted Goose for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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