Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
ORDER: ANSERIFORMES
FAMILY: ANATIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
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© Kevin T. Karlson
Breeding across the tundra from Nunavut to Siberia, across Russia, and in Greenland, the Greater White-fronted Goose has one of the largest ranges of any species of goose in the world. In North America, however, it is common only west of the Mississippi River, where it is found in large flocks in wetlands and croplands.
Appearance
Ducklike
Adult Description
- Medium-sized goose.
- Body gray-brown.
- Forehead and base of bill white.
- Bill pinkish or orange.
- Variable amount of black mottling on belly.
Immature Description
Slightly smaller and lighter than adult. Lacks white forehead and black belly marks. Bill light pinkish. Legs yellow-orange
Field MarksHelp
Adult
- © Kevin T. Karlson, Milne Point, Alaska
Similar Species
- The least distinctively marked of American geese. Most likely to be confused with domestic goose. Various breeds of domestic geese may have a white line behind bill, overall gray body, and orange bill and feet. Domestics lack the black belly markings, and have thicker necks and bigger bellies.
- Canada Goose has black neck and head with white cheek patch.
- Blue form of Snow Goose has all white head and white in the wings. Juvenile is blue-gray not brownish, and has a white, not black tail.