White-fronted goose

Scientific name: Anser albifrons

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Medium-sized goose with grey-brown plumage, distinctive white face patch at base of bill, and dark barring on belly and breast. Adults show orange-yellow legs and bill; females are slightly smaller and duller than males.

Size and weight

Males 2.3–3.1 kg, females 1.9–2.7 kg; body length 66–76 cm.

Habitat

White-fronted geese inhabit open tundra, marshes, and grasslands during breeding season, and move to wetlands, coastal marshes, agricultural fields, and river valleys in winter. They favour areas with shallow water and nearby grazing meadows.

Distribution

Breed across Arctic tundra from western Alaska through northern Canada to Greenland and Russia; winter in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia with major populations in Gulf Coast marshes and Central Valley wetlands.

Diet

Primarily graze on grasses, sedges, and clover; in winter shift to agricultural grain fields (wheat, barley, corn) and roots; dabble for aquatic plants seasonally.

Behaviour

Highly gregarious, often in flocks of dozens to thousands; most active at dawn and dusk, feeding in open daylight. Strong, direct flight; communicate with loud, nasal calls; pairs remain bonded across seasons.

Hunting tips

Look for droppings (dark, fibrous pellets) and grazing trails in marshes and fields. Hunt grain fields and shallow wetlands near roosting water; approach into wind using natural cover and decoys. Early morning and late afternoon provide best light and activity; glassing open water helps locate flocks before approach.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 15 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.