ExploreBirds

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

The Barnacle Goose is a lovely bird with a black head and white cheeks. They are known for their strong flying skills and often travel in groups, making them fun to watch in the sky!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Barnacle Goose has a striking white face with a black cap and bill, contrasting sharply with its black neck and chest. Its back is grey with black and white bars, while its belly is pure white, making it visually distinct from other geese.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusBranta
Barnacle Goose
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badge
Barnacle Goose

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Barnacle Geese bravely jump from high cliff nests days after hatching!

Barnacle Geese usually mate for life, staying with the same partner each breeding season.

During winter, thousands of Barnacle Geese gather together in massive feeding flocks!

Their name comes from a medieval myth that they grew on trees from barnacles!

Special abilities

Ability

Cliff Nesting Acrobatics

Barnacle Geese can nest on high cliff ledges because their goslings are adapted to jump safely to the ground below days after hatching.

Ability

Long-Distance Flight

Barnacle Geese can fly thousands of kilometers during migration because they have strong wings and efficient flight patterns.

Ability

Social Communication

Barnacle Geese have a range of loud calls that help them communicate with their flock, especially during migration and feeding.

Ability

Efficient Grazing

Barnacle Geese can quickly consume large amounts of plant matter because they have strong bills and a digestive system for grazing.

Measurements & details

Length
58-70 cm
Wingspan
120-142 cm
Weight
1.2-2.2 kg
Lifespan
10-18 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
4-6
Incubation
24-27 days
Migration Distance
3500 km

Diet & Feeding

Barnacle Geese are plant-eaters that love to graze on grass and other greenery.

Primary Foods

  • grasses
  • sedges
  • saltmarsh plants
  • agricultural crops

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Foxes prey on Barnacle Goose eggs and young goslings.

eaten by

White-tailed Eagle

Haliaeetus albicilla

Eagles sometimes hunt goslings or weaker adult geese.

depends on

Annual Meadow Grass

Poa annua

A primary food source, they graze on the shoots and leaves.

depends on

Procumbent Pearlwort

Sagina procumbens

Commonly eaten plant found in their breeding and wintering grounds.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Barnacle Goose?

58-70 cm

What is Barnacle Goose's wingspan?

120-142 cm

How much does Barnacle Goose weigh?

1.2-2.2 kg

How long does Barnacle Goose live?

10-18 years

How fast can Barnacle Goose move?

70 km/h

What does Barnacle Goose eat?

Barnacle Geese are plant-eaters that love to graze on grass and other greenery.

Where is Barnacle Goose usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Barnacle Goose hunt?

Grazing

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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