barnacle
1. Bird Name
English name: Barnacle Goose
Scientific (Latin) name: Branta leucopsis
2. Appearance
The Barnacle Goose is a compact, medium-sized goose with a distinctive appearance. Its back, chest, and wings are covered in dark, greyish-black feathers while its belly is white. Most noticeable is its small head, which is predominantly white, broken only by a striking black neck and short, stout black beak. It also has black eyes encircled with white plumage, creating an eye-catching contrast. The underlying portion of the wings or the flight feathers are white, which are visibly distinctive during flight. Both males and females bear similar plumage, but males are slightly larger.
3. Size
The Barnacle Goose stands, on average, between 60 to 70 centimeters (24-28 inches) tall and weighs about 1.2 to 2.2 kilos (2.6-4.8 pounds). Its wingspan is relatively broad for its size, ranging from 130 to 145 centimeters (51-57 inches).
4. Habitat & Distribution
This goose species is native to the Arctic regions and is found predominantly in Greenland, Siberia, and the islands of Svalbard. During the winter months, Barnacle Geese migrate south to the temperate climes of the British Isles, the Netherlands, and parts of Germany to breed and feed. They prefer coastal regions, wetlands, and marshy grasslands.
5. Interesting Facts
Barnacle Geese engage in one of the most perilous migrations among birds, trekking 2000 kilometers from their Arctic breeding grounds to their European winter quarters. This goose species was once believed in medieval times to develop from barnacles, leading to its name.
6. Diet
The Barnacle Goose is mostly herbivorous, with a diet consisting largely of aquatic plants, seeds, roots, grasses, and grains. Yet, while breeding, they may also consume small aquatic insects and crustaceans for added nutrition.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Barnacle Geese are highly social creatures, often seen in large flocks. Their call is a high-pitched, barking “klok-klok” which can be cacophonous when a flock takes flight. They are monogamous and mate for life, with both parents sharing the responsibility of raising chicks.
8. Conservation Status
Currently, the Barnacle Goose is classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List, with a strong population of around 1.2 million individuals.
9. Lifespan
The Barnacle Goose can live up to 15-20 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity, with the oldest recorded individual living to 28 years.
10. Additional Notes
In Europe, the Barnacle Goose is celebrated. In medieval times, it was even regarded as a miracle of nature due to its peculiar mythological origin. They play a crucial role in local ecosystems as grazers that help to control the growth and spread of vegetation. Additionally, they are known to be quite approachable when in urban parks, making them a popular bird among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
