Barnacle Goose Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesBarnacle Goose
A small, compact goose with a short, stubby bill. The head is mostly white, with a black crown and a black line between the eye and bill. The neck, throat, and breast are black, contrasting with the white face and grayish-white belly. The upperparts are light gray, with heavy black barring. The legs and bill are black.
© Christoph Moning / Macaulay LibraryFryslân, January 01, 2011In flight, note the silvery upperwings, two-toned underwings, and black breast.
© Fabio Olmos / Macaulay LibrarySvalbard, June 16, 2023Adult
A small goose with a mostly white head; black neck, throat, and breast; grayish-white underparts; and silver upperparts with black barring.
© Galatee Films / Macaulay LibraryFebruary 01, 2000Not all videos have sound
Forms large flocks while foraging, on migration, and on wintering grounds.
© Antonio Xeira / Macaulay LibraryBayern, November 22, 2016Juveniles quickly develop the general color pattern of this species, but their plumage is duller overall.
© John Cant / Macaulay LibrarySvalbard, July 23, 2015Adult and chick
Both parents care for the young, which can walk, feed, and swim as soon as they leave the nest.
© Josep del Hoyo / Macaulay LibrarySvalbard, July 05, 2018Not all videos have sound
(with Graylag Goose)
Easily identified among Graylag Geese and other “gray geese” by small size and black, gray, and white coloration.
© Dennis Mersky / Macaulay LibraryEngland, October 06, 2016In Svalbard, Greenland, and northwestern Russia, nests on rocky outcrops or cliffs.
© Julia Sheldon / Macaulay LibrarySvalbard, June 23, 2014Flock
Wintering birds across Europe forage on tidal mudflats, saltmarshes, meadows, and pastures.
© Erkki Lehtovirta / Macaulay LibraryKymenlaakso, October 08, 2012Not all videos have sound
Flock
A highly social species, often forming huge flocks during migration and on wintering grounds.
© Erkki Lehtovirta / Macaulay LibraryKymenlaakso, October 08, 2012Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesBrant
Adult (Dark-bellied)
Adult Brant is much darker than Barnacle Goose, with an all-black face, a brownish belly, and brown upperparts.
© Volker Hesse / Macaulay LibraryNiedersachsen, February 01, 2020Similar SpeciesBrant
Adult (Dark-bellied)
In flight, Brant's wings are dark brown both above and below.
© Ben Lucking / Macaulay LibraryEngland, March 06, 2021Similar SpeciesCanada Goose
Canada Goose is larger than Barnacle Goose, with a longer, thinner neck and a larger bill. Canada Goose has much more limited white on the face, a grayish-brown breast, and brown sides and upperparts.
© Simon Boivin / Macaulay LibraryQuebec, April 14, 2020Similar SpeciesCanada Goose
In flight, Canada Goose shows all-brown wings.
© Daniel Grossi / Macaulay LibraryOhio, March 23, 2019Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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