Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Scientific name definitions
- LC Least Concern
- Names (38)
- Monotypic
Text last updated February 8, 2016
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Species names in all available languages
Language | Common name |
---|---|
Asturian | Gansu picucurtiu |
Basque | Antzara mokolaburra |
Bulgarian | Късоклюна гъска |
Catalan | oca de bec curt |
Croatian | kratkokljuna guska |
Czech | husa krátkozobá |
Danish | Kortnæbbet Gås |
Dutch | Kleine rietgans |
English | Pink-footed Goose |
English (United States) | Pink-footed Goose |
Faroese | Íslandsgás |
Finnish | lyhytnokkahanhi |
French | Oie à bec court |
French (Canada) | Oie à bec court |
Galician | Ganso de bico curto |
German | Kurzschnabelgans |
Greek | Βραχύραμφη Χήνα |
Hebrew | אווז קצר-מקור |
Hungarian | Rövidcsőrű lúd |
Icelandic | Heiðagæs |
Italian | Oca zamperosee |
Japanese | コザクラバシガン |
Latvian | Īsknābja zoss |
Lithuanian | Trumpasnapė žąsis |
Norwegian | kortnebbgås |
Polish | gęś krótkodzioba |
Portuguese (Portugal) | Ganso-de-bico-curto |
Romanian | Gâscă cu cioc scurt |
Russian | Короткоклювый гуменник |
Serbian | Kratkokljuna guska |
Slovak | hus krátkozobá |
Slovenian | Kratkokljuna gos |
Spanish | Ánsar Piquicorto |
Spanish (Mexico) | Ganso Piquicorto |
Spanish (Spain) | Ánsar piquicorto |
Swedish | spetsbergsgås |
Turkish | Küçük Tarla Kazı |
Ukrainian | Гуменник короткодзьобий |
Anser brachyrhynchus Baillon, 1834
Definitions
- ANSER
- anser
- brachyrhynchus / brachyrrhynchus
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
Field Identification
60–75 cm; male 1900–3860 g, female 1450–2810 g (1); wingspan 135–170 cm. Head and upper neck dark brown, contrasting with paler brown lower neck and breast , as well as mantle , scapulars and rump; dark brown flanks with darker striations, with white line on upper flanks; in flight , shows clear contrast between pale ashy wing-coverts (grey forewing) and dark flight feathers, while some uppertail-coverts and sides of back and rump are white (1). Reminiscent of A. fabalis but smaller and shorter-necked, with shorter bill and pink legs ; wingbeats faster in flight (1). Juvenile similar to adult, but smaller, slighter, duller and browner, with more scaly-looking upperparts, duller pink bill and legs (latter sometimes ochre-coloured), but generally much like adult by end of first winter (1).
Systematics History
Subspecies
Hybridization
Hybrid Records and Media Contributed to eBird
-
Pink-footed x Barnacle Goose (hybrid) Anser brachyrhynchus x Branta leucopsis
-
Pink-footed x Canada Goose (hybrid) Anser brachyrhynchus x Branta canadensis
Distribution
E Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard (Spitsbergen). Winters in Britain and from Denmark to Belgium.
Habitat
Breeds on rocky outcrops, crags, in gorges and on islands (1) in very open Arctic tundra, but visits damp sedge meadows in valley bottoms to feed (1); on Svalbard, frequently nests in close proximity to seabird colonies (1). Breeding sites situated at up to 700 m above sea-level (2). On Svalbard, it seems that this species and Branta leucopsis partition resources: > 50% of all A. brachyrhynchus occurred in the absence of B. leucopsis during nesting and post-hatching periods compared to c. 20% when concentrated by pre-breeding snow cover, but only 5% of B. leucopsis were observed in the absence of the present species pre-breeding, 15% during nesting and 35% post-hatching, with B. leucopsis resorting more to ‘upland’ habitats during pre-breeding and nesting, and to lowland lakes post-hatching (when compared to A. brachyrhynchus), and the smallest extent of distributional overlap between the two species occurred post-hatching, but each species is also highly restricted by snow cover during the pre-nesting period (3).
Winters in coastal estuaries and on flat agricultural land , with an increasing preference for improved or fertilized grasslands and, to some extent, cereal fields on passage and in winter, whereas formerly regularly staged on coastal tundra and at saltmarshes, as well as in areas of natural vegetation in uplands (1). First started to use polder areas in Belgium during early 1960s (1).
Movement
Migratory , Greenland and Icelandic populations winter mostly in Scotland and NW & E England , with much smaller numbers in Ireland, where arrives mainly in first half of Oct and arrivals complete by end of that month; Greenland birds, however, may initially disperse to Iceland (en route to UK), departing their breeding grounds as early as late Aug, while young birds from Iceland move to N & NE Greenland to moult, reaching as far N as Pearly Land (4); return passage to Iceland from British Isles is in April, peaking during second half of month and continuing until mid May (2). Within the UK, large numbers arrive in Oct–Nov in E, C & S Scotland and Lancashire (NW England); numbers peak in England during midwinter, with few remaining into Mar, by which time the more sedentary winter populations of SW & E Scotland are again augmented by birds from further S, peaking in Apr, and this pattern of occurrence is presumably a response to a gradient of plant growth (particularly the high protein content associated with its onset) (5). Svalbard birds winter along E shores of North Sea, in Denmark (increasing numbers in recent mild winters) (6), N Germany (just 1000–2000 birds) (7), the Netherlands and Belgium, with small numbers moving to Britain (2); stage in Denmark (principally along W coast of Jutland) and C & N Norway on spring migration, especially the ‘new’ site of Trondheimsfjord (mid to late Apr) and the traditional locality of Vesterålen (late Apr to early May, with birds that depart late from Denmark sometimes using only the latter site and general use of stopover sites varying probably in response to previous experience with accumulation of body stores) (8), but use Bear I and W & C Norway in autumn (1); however, small numbers are suspected to move S via Finmark and Gulf of Bothnia, given sightings in NW Russia (Novgorod) and recent breeding records on Novaya Zemlya (9), as well as passage records in the Baltic states, Hungary (9), Poland, Sweden and E Germany (2). Resightings of marked geese suggest very low demographic connectivity between the eastern (Svalbard) and western (Greenland–Iceland) flyway populations (10). It seems that climate change may be influencing the species to commence spring migration earlier (11) but to remain at stopover sites in Norway for longer periods than formerly (12). In autumn, starts to leave breeding grounds in late Aug and move S along W coast of Norway, arriving in Denmark in second half of Sept and by mid Oct entire Svalbard population may be present there, although in past heavy disturbance meant that many moved swiftly onwards to the Netherlands, leaving few in Denmark by Nov; however return movements N can occur as early as mid Dec (at least in mild winters), with most having returned as far as Denmark by Feb, with virtually entire subpopulation staging in Jutland between late Mar and early May (1). Sporadically occurs in more southern latitudes during cold winters, regularly reaching N France in small numbers at this season (13), but is only an accidental visitor to Luxemburg, Slovakia, Hungary (21 records between 1984 and 1988) (14), Austria, Spain , Italy, Albania, Yugoslavia, Ukraine (records perhaps did not involve wild birds) (2), the Azores (Oct 1953, other record undated), Madeira (Feb 1934) and Canary Is (Lanzarote, Sept 1953, had been ringed in Iceland) (15); records from Switzerland (16) and Turkey (17) now generally rejected. Has also wandered to NE North America, between autumn and spring, with almost all records since 1990s, mainly from Quebec S to New York, rarely to Delaware and Pennsylvania, with one record from Nebraska (18).
Diet and Foraging
Almost entirely vegetarian; leaves, stems, roots, berries and seed heads of sedges, mosses, lichens, during breeding season; grain, vegetables, potatoes and grasses , in winter. In spring, in Iceland, switches from cultivated land (where selectively feeds on young leaves of the high-protein grass Phleum pratense) (19) to heaths, where feeds on shoots of Equisetum and rhizomes of Polygonum, then moves to breeding areas, where it also takes leaves and catkins of Salix and in Carex-dominated meadows, before switching to berries of Empetrum and other high-energy foods during wing moult and prior to migration (1). In spring on Svalbard, A. brachyrhynchus fed mostly (93%) by excavating below-ground parts of plants (especially Bistorta viviparum), mostly (56%) away from snow and was more evenly distributed between habitat types compared to Branta leucopsis (20). In winter, prefers barley and wheat stubbles, wherever available (e.g. winter wheat Triticum aestivum, which is a reliable and profitable food source even in severe winters) (6), while potatoes are the most favoured among root crops, although carrots and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) (e.g. in N Norfolk) (21) are frequently utilized in the British Isles (as were field beans until they were abandoned), while in Denmark tillage crops have replaced grassland as favoured feeding areas, heavily supplemented by newly sown cereals and peas (22) in spring, as well as leaves and stolons of clover and other herbs (1). Feeds largely on dry (agricultural) land; also in water. Feeding flocks commonly reach up to 5000 strong in British Isles (2). Nocturnal feeding apparently common in England in 1920s to 1950s, but is less frequent now (1). In midwinter appears to spend most daylight hours foraging (1), whereas in Norway on spring migration it seems that feeding activity peaks around midday (23). Favoured feeding areas used year after year, provided they are not subject to disturbance (1).
Sounds and Vocal Behavior
Vocalizations rather higher-pitched than those of either A. anser or A. fabalis, and have more urgent quality, but lower than in A. albifrons and lack laughing quality of latter species (2), while voice of males is typically higher-pitched than that of females, and that of young birds is similarly higher-pitched and squeakier than that of adults: gives disyllabic “ung-unk” or “ang-ank” (sometimes becoming trisyllabic), or softer “wink-wink” or “king-wink” is also frequently heard, while a high-pitched, single, sharp note is given in alarm (much louder than other calls), while on ground pairs communicate with low murmuring notes, or hisses may be given in aggressive interactions between rival males or pairs (1).
Breeding
Starts May: laying commences 7–10 May in uplands of Iceland and 15 May in C highlands, but not until late May to early Jun in E Greenland (earliest arrival 8 May) (4) and Svalbard, with hatching typically in late Jun in Iceland but first half of Jul in Greenland and Svalbard (1). Pair-bonds suspected to be lifelong, but fidelity by either sex cannot be assumed (1). In rather loose colonies usually of up to ca. 10 pairs, with just a few metres between them, although at main Icelandic breeding area nests are usually rather more dispersed, with frequently up to 75 m between nests, occasionally just 5 m (2); builds shallow nest of plant matter on ground, in areas already free of snow by time of arrival, and extensively lined with down (1); cup diameter 20–25 cm and 5–10 cm deep (1), exceptionally up to 25 cm high if subject to constant re-use in successive seasons (1). Usually 3–5 white or pale straw-coloured eggs (range 2–8) (1), laid at one-day intervals, size 70–90 mm × 48–58 mm, mass 111–149 g (1). Incubation ca. 25–28 days by female alone, guarded by male at some distance (1). Chicks have brownish-olive down above, yellowish below, with dark crown, greyish eyestripe, and weigh c. 86 g after 24 hours (1); guarded by both parents and fledge after ca. 49–56 days, and may subsequently amalgamate with other broods (1, 24), but most young remain with parents until following spring and may even remain close to adults during next breeding cycle (1). Nesting success in Iceland 76–79%, with a mean brood size of 2·82 young, which varies according to annual weather conditions and predation levels (which account for c. 35% of egg losses, e.g. by Arctic foxes Alopex lagopus), and which subsequently falls to 2·59 pre-fledging, 2·32 pre-migration and 2·28 by time of arrival on wintering grounds (1); on latter, in Scotland and England, mean brood size in autumn is 2·09, with mean percentage of young in these wintering populations 17·9% during 1970–1995, while mean brood size in winter among Svalbard population is 2·03 and percentage of young birds 16·9% (during 1980–1995) (1). Sexual maturity at three years, occasionally two. Mean adult survival among Svalbard birds estimated at 71% in 1955–1974 but reached 85% in 1975–1983 (slightly lower for first-year birds), by which time population was increasing, and during 1990–1999 adult survival had declined to 83·5% (males) or 80·5% (females) (25) (although subsequent analysis up until 2002 revealed no sexual differences in survival rates) (26); for Iceland/Greenland populations, adult survival estimated at 86% in 1950s and 85% in 1987–1991, while again first-year survival was lower (1). Most recent Svalbard study partitioned adult survival seasonally, finding a declining trend in summer survival, constant autumn and winter survival, except in severe winter of 1996, and monthly survival highest during winter (25). At least in one Danish study, there was no indication of differences in survival between sexes or age classes (first-year and older), but birds carrying shotgun pellets had a significantly lower survival (0·765) than non-carriers (0·869), which difference is constant between years and cohorts (27); among first-year and older geese, pellets were detected in 25% and 36% of birds, respectively (28). Oldest recorded adult 38 years and seven months (1).
Conservation Status
Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Rather numerous within its limited range. Most of world population winters in British Isles, with c. 70,000–100,000 in 1980s, and breeds in Iceland (40,000–50,000 pairs, where first found breeding in 1929) and E Greenland (5000 pairs, discovered in 1891 and where range expanded N by c. 250 km during 20th century) (4); this population numbered c. 260,000 individuals in 1994, thereafter declined slightly to 200,000–240,000 birds (1), but has increased again since being estimated at 350,000 birds in 2008/09 (29) of which 288,800 winter in British Isles (30). Most of the increase in the contingent that winters in the UK was registered in Norfolk (where 100,000 wintered in 2003/04) (31), apparently because this region offers high-quality food (sugar beet remains) and greater freedom from disturbance (32). As in the Netherlands, and some other areas of Europe, the British government compensates farmers in relevant goose areas to further conservation (33), although one study has suggested in Norway the current compensation scheme can be made ten times more efficient through strategic prioritization (34). It has been suggested that successful management of grassland areas in the UK for this and other species of geese appears to be through manipulation of sward height and fertiliser application (35). Population of Svalbard numbered c. 25,000–30,000 birds in 1980s (having increased from < 10,000 in 1930s and 1940s) (1), almost all of which winter in Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium, and this population increased still further, to 32,000–34,000 birds in 1991–1994, 38,500 birds in 1998 (36), 63,000 in 2008/09 (29) and 80,000 in 2012 (37), with the increase perhaps partially sustained by increasing availability of winter wheat in countries such as Denmark (6). One record from Franz Josef Land (Russia) in 1914, but no proof of breeding there (2); however, two recent confirmed records of breeding on Novaya Zemlya (1993, 1997) (9). Marked increase in recent decades, probably due to protection of sites, changed behaviour (birds using inland roosting sites such as reservoirs) (1), improved food supplies and reduction of hunting; in parts of winter quarters, agricultural changes have had negative effects on populations, e.g. in Germany, although these birds have just moved elsewhere. Thus, wintered in S Dutch province of Zeeland until c. 1920, then in 1950s Friesland became important wintering area and numbers in Germany declined consequently, while only started to use wintering sites in Belgium in 1960s (1), and numbers remaining to winter in Denmark have increased recently, apparently in response to reduced disturbance from hunters (38) but also recent milder winters (6). Considered legitimate quarry in all range states, but special restrictions in force throughout, e.g. in Denmark goose shooting only permitted early mornings during short autumn season (38), and recreational hunting in spring banned everywhere, although illegal hunting still occurs in Iceland and Greenland (apparently with negligible impact), and special-case licenses are issued to farmers in Scotland and Norway particularly affected by geese grazing on land needed by sheep and cattle in early spring (1). Spring disturbance in Denmark (39) and N Norway is considered to have major impact on breeding success (organized to counter goose damage to improved grassland), while human disturbance of major breeding area in Iceland (which is protected) and another one in Greenland (40) perhaps increasing (the latter due to oil exploration) (40), although greater threat comes from possibility of hydroelectric projects being implemented on rivers in interior of island (1). Planned mining operations in parts of E Greenland could displace comparatively large numbers of moulting birds and smaller numbers of breeders (41). However, in relation to offshore windfarms, which can pose threat to migrating birds, a recent radar study has shown that migrating A. brachyrhynchus have generally learned to avoid them (42). Climate change may be positively affecting goose population dynamics, with warmer winters and earlier springs enhancing survival and fecundity, enabled by increased food availability on Danish wintering and Norwegian staging areas (26); furthermore, at least in relation to Svalbard, modelling suggests that global warming could lead to an expansion in this species’ breeding range (43). On the other hand, increasing abundance of geese (not just of this species) through land-use change and conservation measures is dramatically affecting the carbon balance in Arctic tundra, as a study on Svalbard has demonstrated that early season below-ground foraging by A. brachyrhynchus is sufficient to strongly reduce carbon sink strength and soil carbon stocks (44).
- Year-round
- Migration
- Breeding
- Non-Breeding