Species Profile
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchus
Pink-Footed Goose
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
8–22 years[4]
Length
60–75 cm
Weight
1800–3300 g
Wingspan
135–170 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Greenland White-fronted Goose
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Appearance
The Pink-footed Goose is characterised by its greyish-brown plumage, short pink bill with a black tip, and distinctive pink legs. Its head and neck are darker brown, contrasting with a paler breast and belly.
Males and females are alike in appearance, although females are often noticeably smaller. As their name suggests, their feet are pink, and they have a short, stubby bill, which is primarily black but features a small pink patch across the centre.
Adults and juveniles share similar plumage, with young birds showing slightly duller colouration. There is no significant seasonal variation in their appearance.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Pink
- Beak
- Pink
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Pink-footed Geese breed in eastern Greenland, Iceland, and Svalbard. They winter in northwestern Europe, with significant populations in the UK, Netherlands, and Denmark. These geese prefer coastal marshes, estuaries, and nearby agricultural fields.
In the UK, they are common winter visitors to eastern Scotland, Lancashire, and Norfolk, arriving in September and departing in April for their Arctic breeding grounds.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Scotland
Cheshire
Cumbria
Derbyshire
East Riding of Yorkshire
Merseyside
Lancashire
Lincolnshire
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Stockton-on-Tees
Diet
Pink-footed Geese primarily feed on vegetation. Their diet includes grasses, sedges, and agricultural crops such as potatoes and grain, as well as roots, shoots, berries and seeds.
In their Arctic breeding grounds, they also consume berries and mosses. Stems, leaves, catkins, mosses and grasses are particularly important in spring. They often graze in large groups in fields and wetlands.
Behaviour
Pink-footed Geese are highly social and often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They exhibit a distinctive 'V' formation when flying and communicate with frequent calls. These geese are primarily grazers, feeding on grass and agricultural crops in fields.
Calls & Sounds
Pink-footed Geese have a distinctive high-pitched honking call, often described as 'wink-wink' or 'ank-ank-ank'. Males have a higher-pitched honk than females, while the calls of juvenile pink-footed geese are especially squeaky-sounding.
This vocalisation is frequently heard during flight and when flocks are feeding. The calls play a crucial role in flock coordination during migration.
Nesting & Breeding
Pink-footed Geese form monogamous pairs, often reuniting in successive breeding seasons. They breed in the high Arctic tundra, with the season typically starting in late May or early June. Loose nesting colonies are common, with up to 10 pairs establishing nests in fairly close proximity to one another.
Nests are built on the ground, usually on cliff ledges or slopes, lined with down. Females lay 3-6 creamy white eggs. Males guard the nest while females incubate.
Incubation lasts about 26-27 days. Goslings fledge after 6-8 weeks, remaining with their parents during their first migration south.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Pink-footed Geese face threats from habitat loss and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wintering sites and managing agricultural landscapes to provide suitable feeding areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks in coastal areas and farmlands during winter
- Listen for their distinctive high-pitched 'wink-wink' call
- Observe feeding behaviour in stubble fields early morning or late afternoon
- In the UK, visit Norfolk, Lancashire, or the Scottish lowlands for the best viewing opportunities
Did You Know?
- Pink-footed Geese can fly at altitudes of up to 6,000 meters during migration.
- Their population has increased significantly in recent decades, partly due to changes in agricultural practices.
- During migration, These geese can cover over 1,000 kilometres (around 600 miles) in a single day.
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