Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsis
The Barnacle Goose is a rare but regular winter visitor to Britain, typically seen in coastal areas and estuaries from October to April, with notable sightings in Scotland and eastern England. It can be spotted in small to large flocks, often in association with other goose species.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Barnacle Goose in the field.
At a glance, the Barnacle Goose can be identified by its black head and neck, white face patches, and pale grey-brown body, as well as its distinctive black and white barred back and wings. Its relatively small size and compact shape also help to distinguish it from other goose species.
The Barnacle Goose is slightly larger than a Mallard, but smaller than a Greylag Goose, making it a medium-sized waterfowl species.
The male Barnacle Goose has a black head and neck, with white face patches and a pale grey-brown body, while its back and wings are barred with black and white, giving it a distinctive appearance that remains consistent throughout the year.
The female Barnacle Goose is similar to the male in terms of plumage, with the same black and white colouration and barring pattern, although she may be slightly duller in appearance.
The Barnacle Goose has a loud, high-pitched call that sounds like a repeated "kank" or "kyank", often given in a series of three or four notes.
Barnacle Geese are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants including grasses, leaves, and aquatic vegetation, and can be seen grazing in fields and wetlands, as well as flying in V-formation during migration.
The Barnacle Goose can be confused with the Brent Goose, but can be distinguished by its black and white barred back and wings, as well as its pale grey-brown body, whereas the Brent Goose has a more uniform dark brown plumage.
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