Species Profile
Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficollis
Quick Facts
Conservation
VUVulnerableLifespan
10–15 years[1]
Length
53–56 cm
Weight
1000–1500 g
Wingspan
116–135 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Red-breasted Brent Goose
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Appearance
The Red-breasted Goose is a striking bird with a distinctive black head, neck, and back contrasting sharply with its bright chestnut-red breast, foreneck and head-sides. White patches on the face and a white stripe along the flanks add to its unique appearance.
Both sexes look similar, although the forehead of the male rises more vertically from the top of the bill than the female. Juveniles have duller colouration, with less barring on the flanks. The plumage remains consistent throughout the year, with no significant seasonal changes.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
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
Red-breasted Geese breed from June in the Arctic tundra of Siberia, particularly on the Taymyr, Gydan, and Yamal peninsulas. Their wintering grounds are primarily along the western shores of the Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania.
During migration, they can be spotted in eastern Europe and occasionally in the UK, particularly in coastal areas and wetlands, although they are very rare.
Distribution
Diet
Red-breasted Geese primarily feed on grasses, sedges, and other vegetation. During the breeding season, they consume Arctic plants like cotton grass.
In winter, they often graze on agricultural fields, particularly winter wheat and other cereal crops.
Behaviour
Red-breasted Geese are highly social, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They exhibit strong pair bonds and family groups.
These geese are primarily grazers, feeding on short grass and sedges in tundra and agricultural fields.
Calls & Sounds
The Red-breasted Goose has a distinctive, high-pitched call often described as a rapid 'kik-kik' or 'ki-kui'.
During flight, they produce a chorus of yelping sounds, creating a cacophony that's particularly noticeable when large flocks are on the move.
Nesting & Breeding
Red-breasted Geese form monogamous pairs, often reuniting in successive breeding seasons. They typically breed from late May to early July in the Arctic tundra.
Nests are built on cliff ledges or elevated areas near water, often close to Peregrine Falcon or Rough-legged Buzzard nests for added protection. The female lays 3-7 cream-coloured eggs with a greenish tinge in a shallow depression lined with down.
Incubation lasts about 25 days, performed solely by the female while the male stands guard. Goslings fledge after approximately 35-40 days.
Conservation
The Red-breasted Goose faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key breeding and wintering sites, as well as working with local communities to reduce hunting pressure and promote sustainable land use practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in coastal areas and wetlands during winter in the UK
- Observe large flocks of geese for their distinctive red and black colouration
- Listen for their high-pitched, yelping calls
- Visit nature reserves in eastern England, where they occasionally appear
Did You Know?
- Red-breasted Geese often nest near birds of prey for protection from predators.
- They can fly at speeds of up to 60 mph during migration.
- Ancient Egyptians considered the Red-breasted Goose sacred and often depicted it in their artwork.
- The longest migration flight recorded for a Red-breasted Goose was 1,822 km during spring migration.
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