Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Barnacle Goose
Scientific Name:
Branta leucopsis
Length:
58-70cm
Wingspan (mm):
120-142cm
Weight:
1.7k Description
It is clearly related too but smaller than the Canada Goose with more silvery grey wings and mantle. Identified best by its creamy-white face, black breast and barred back.
Distribution
Roughly 12,000 birds winter in Britain, with 7,000 - 8,000 birds in Ireland.
Spectacular numbers can be seen in winter at sites such as the Isle of Islay and the Solway Firth (both Scotland)
Habitat
Over-winters on grassland, pastures and marshes of coastal areas. Breeds on islands in the Baltic region.
Population
In Greenland the population is estimated ato be 3,200 - 4,200 pairs, with roughly 2,000 - 3,000 pairs on the island of Svalbard. Within the western palearctic the Russian population is estimated at 4,000 - 5,500 birds. About 2000 pairs now breed in the Baltic region.