Photo: Hans Norelius from Älvsjö, Sweden / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Lesser White-fronted Goose
Anser erythropus
Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) — Ducks, Geese & Swans of Europe & Northern Asia.
Found across 20 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) is a member of the Anatidae family found in Europe & Northern Asia. Adults weigh 1.8 kg. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Anseriformes
- Family Anatidae Ducks, Geese, Swans
- Genus Anser
- Species erythropus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 1.8 kg
- Diet
- Plant-eaters
- Family
- Anatidae
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Habitat
- Grassland & open country
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Lesser White-fronted Goose feeds mainly on plant material such as leaves, buds and shoots.
Behaviour
A bird of open grassland, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Lesser White-fronted Goose is migratory, making regular seasonal journeys between its breeding and non-breeding ranges.
The Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) belongs to the Anatidae family of the order Anseriformes. Its range spans Europe & Northern Asia. Its distribution covers PAL n Eurasia.
It is a very large bird. Adults weighs around 1.8 kg, with a wing length of about 36.9 cm and a tail of around 11.2 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 2.6 million km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Lesser White-fronted Goose?
The Lesser White-fronted Goose is a very large bird that weighs around 1.8 kg.
Where does the Lesser White-fronted Goose live?
The Lesser White-fronted Goose is found across Europe & Northern Asia with a range covering PAL n Eurasia, where it favours open grassland, scrub and lightly vegetated country.
What family does the Lesser White-fronted Goose belong to?
The Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) belongs to the Anatidae family, in the order Anseriformes.
What does the Lesser White-fronted Goose eat?
The Lesser White-fronted Goose feeds mainly on plant material such as leaves, buds and shoots.
Does the Lesser White-fronted Goose migrate?
The Lesser White-fronted Goose is migratory, making regular seasonal journeys between its breeding and non-breeding ranges.
Is the Lesser White-fronted Goose endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
What sound does the Lesser White-fronted Goose make?
4 real field recordings of the Lesser White-fronted Goose — including its call and flight call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, each credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Lesser White-fronted Goose's range?
The Lesser White-fronted Goose has a mapped global range of about 2.6 million km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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