Scientific Name:
Branta leucopsis
Distribution
Arctic islands of the North Atlantic, winters in England and The Netherlands.
Diet:
Vegetarian - leaves, grasses, sedges and aquatic plants, grains, vegetables.
Facts
Habitat: pasture land, salt marshes, grassy fields near coast. Build their nests in rocky areas and on hillsides near water sources.
Incubation: 24-25 days / 3-5 eggs
Social structure: groups of 5-50 pairs, occasionally up to 150 pairs.
Weight: max 2,4kg
Dimensions: max 71cm wing span: max 145cm
Lifespan: 18-25
Estimated population in the wild: common
Threats: Though fully protected today it was once exploited for its meat, eggs and down feathers. Disturbance by humans.
IUCN status: Least concern
Did you know that:
- During migration, they are presumed to utilize magnetic fields to direct their flights.
- Incubation is done by the female, while the male guards the nest and the female. During the incubation period the pair loses 30-40% of their body weight as they do not forage far away from the nest.