Anser erythropus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Lesser white-fronted goose
French : Oie naine

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Fairly small goose, reaching 66 cm in length for a weight of 2.1 kg. Dark grey brown plumage with dark stripes on belly and flanks and breast. White area from forehead to bill base. Small red bill. Yellow eye-contour.

Range and habitat
This species breeds in extreme north Europe and Asia, from Finland to Siberia. Winters in south-east Europe, south-west and south-east Asia. Lives in arctic tundra with scrubs and grasses, lightly wooded areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has alarmingly declined because of loss of habitat, both on breeding and wintering grounds. Hunting is a problem in unprotected areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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