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Location: Imperial Beach, CA
Date: 2004-10-10
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6
Date: 2004-10-10
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6
Greater White-Fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
DescriptionThis is the least common goose in the East, occurring in numbers only along the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Texas. Its winters in California's Sacramento Valley. These geese often migrate in large flocks at night, when they can be identified by their distinctive call.
General: Sexes similar. 27 to 30 inches in length.
Adult: Overall gray-brown plumage; darker brown head and neck. Irregular dark bands on belly. A white line separates the belly and wings. White under and uppertail coverts. Pinkish bill with white base. Orange legs and feet.
Immature: Similar to adult, except is overall darker, lacks white base to bill, and has yellowish bill, legs, and feet.
Coastal and inland wetlands, fields. Winters on bays and marshes. Breeds on marshy tundra.
Nesting5-6 cream colored eggs. The eggs have a 23-25 day incubation period. Fledging occurs at 45 days. The nest is a down lined grassy ground depression. Breeds on marshy tundra.
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