White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
Length 65-75cm

Distinctive grey goose. Winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds, present from October to March. Has brown, barred plumage, darkest on head, neck and back. Stern white and belly has variable, thick black bars; legs orange-yellow. Adult has characteristic white blaze on forehead, absent in juvenile. Siberian birds have pink bills and winter mainly in S England. Birds from Greenland have orange-yellow bills and winter mainly in Ireland, W Wales and W Scotland. In flight, utters barking, rather musical calls. Although local, where it does occur it is usually common and seen in flocks of hundreds or even thousands. Perhaps easiest to see and most impressive at Slimbridge WWT Reserve, Gloucestershire, where hides afford excellent views of wild birds.