Greater White-fronted Goose Photo Gallery

Adult

A brownish goose with black splotches on the belly, white side stripe, white vent, and white face patch. Greenland-breeding adults (subspecies flavirostris) show bright orange bill and legs.

Juvenile

Fresh juveniles lack the black bars below and white feathering around base of the bill. The tips of the upperparts feathers are rounded rather than squared as in adults. Bill and legs are duller in color than adults.

Adult

During the winter congregates in wetlands and ponds.

Juvenile

Juveniles in autumn lack white feathering around base of the bill. Note the dull-colored bare parts and rounded back feathers typical of juvenile geese.

Adult

In flight, shows a white "U" on the rump. Large gray upperwing panels contrast with the dark flight feathers.

Adult

A stout, brown goose with a white face patch and a pink-orange bill. Lighting conditions may make it challenging to distinguish the precise bill color in this variable species.

Adult

The amount of black on the bellies of adults is variable and has led to colloquial use of the nickname "Speckle belly" or even just "Speck."

Adult

Adults in western North America typically show pinkish bills that contrast with the orange legs. Also note the brown head and neck and pale gray belly marked with black splotches.

Habitat

Travels in large flocks and forages in grassy estuaries and wetlands during migration.

(with Cackling Goose)

Often flocks with other goose species like these Cackling Geese. The brown neck color, pink-orange bill, and orange legs help this distinctive goose stand out in a crowd.