Birds · Anseriformes · Anatidae

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It owes its name to the striking white band at the base of the bill that runs around its forehead, visible in both sexes. It pairs for life, and the young stay with their parents for a whole year.

Weight

1.9 kg – 3.3 kg

Size

64 cm – 84 cm

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Herd

Lives in large groups as a strategy against predators.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

TundraFreshwaterHerbivore Diurnal In herds Bird Tundra Freshwater

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Fun facts

Its common name refers to the white band at the base of the bill that runs around its forehead.
It pairs for life, and the young help defend their parents' next nest.
One bird in captivity went on laying eggs until it was 46 or 47 years old.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - pneumatised bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia while breeding, moving to temperate wetlands and farmland in winter
Birth weight: No precise figure for hatching weight, though one source gives 90.3 grams
Size at birth: Precocial, covered in yellow-green down, able to walk and swim soon after hatching
Sexual maturity: 2.5-3 years
Gestation / incubation: 22-28 days
Litter / clutch size: 3 to 8 eggs per clutch (most commonly 4-7)
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of 46-47 years in captivity

Sources consulted: AnAge (genomics.senescence.info); Animal Diversity Web; USDA Forest Service FEIS; Animalia.bio; California Species Project; Audubon Field Guide; BioKIDS; BirdFYI