Birds Around Me 0199 - Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)

The Barnacle Goose was once thought to spontaneously arise from barnacles, hence its name. This bizarre belief stemmed from the observation of goose chicks appearing near barnacles on the coast, but of course, it's now known that they hatch from eggs like any other bird!

Smaller than the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), the Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) visits the coastal lowlands of Britain in winter. Black, white, and grey goose with a creamy white face. The back of the head, neck, and breast are all black. Their black bill is slightly smaller than other geese.

Medium-sized goose, with striking black and white contrast: The most distinctive feature is the bold contrast between its black head, neck, and upper breast, and its creamy-white face and belly. This sharp divide makes them easily recognizable even from afar.

Silvery-gray wings and back: The wings and back are covered in beautiful silvery-gray feathers with fine black and white bars, creating a shimmering effect in sunlight.

White rump and underwing linings: When flying, look for the white V-shaped patch on the rump and the bright silver-gray underwing linings.

Behavior:

Social birds: Barnacle Geese are highly social creatures, often forming large flocks of hundreds or even thousands, especially during migration and wintering.

Noisy flyers: They're known for their loud, barking or yapping calls, especially when taking off or landing. These vocalizations help them stay coordinated in their large groups.

Migratory: These birds undertake impressive migrations, breeding in Arctic regions like Greenland, Iceland, and Spitsbergen, then flying south to wintering grounds in northern Europe, including the British Isles and coastal Netherlands.

Breed in Arctic tundra and coastal cliffs: During the breeding season, Barnacle Geese prefer nesting on cliffs or rocky outcrops in the Arctic tundra.

Winter in farmland and wetlands: In winter, they frequent coastal farmland, grasslands, and salt marshes, where they find plenty of food to fuel their long journeys.

Birds Around Me - Unfinished List (अपूर्ण सूची): https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html

-- Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe