Anser erythropus
The Lesser White-fronted Goose, *Anser erythropus*, is a diminutive and highly sought-after waterfowl species, often considered the rarest 'grey goose' in Europe. Averaging 53-66 cm (21-26 in) in length with a wingspan of 120-135 cm (47-53 in) and weighing 1.2-2.5 kg (2.6-5.5 lb), it is noticeably smaller than its close relative, the Greater White-fronted Goose (*Anser albifrons*). Adults are characterized by a dark brown body, a white belly with variable black barring, bright orange legs, an...
Breeds in arctic and subarctic tundra, taiga wetlands, and mountain bogs, often near lakes and rivers. Winters in open grasslands, steppes, cultivated fields, and marshy floodplains.
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on short grasses, sedges, horsetails, mosses, and berries, obtained by grazing and grubbing for roots and tubers.
Lesser White-fronted Geese are primarily diurnal, spending their days grazing and roosting on open water bodies or safe ground at night. During the breeding season, pairs are monogamous and fiercely territorial, defending their nest sites from rivals. Courtship involves mutual displaying, head-di...
The Lesser White-fronted Goose has a disjunct breeding range extending across the Arctic and subarctic regions of Eurasia. The western population breeds in Fennoscandia (primarily Norway, Sweden, and Finland) and western Russia, migrating through the Baltic States, Eastern Europe, and the Black S...
Vulnerable
- The Lesser White-fronted Goose is notably smaller than its close relative, the Greater White-fronted Goose, a key identification feature. - Adults possess a striking yellow eye-ring, a unique field mark among the 'grey geese'. - The white blaze on its forehead extends further onto the crown tha...