Even more distinctive are the salt-and-pepper markings on the breast of adult birds, which is why the goose is colloquially called the “
specklebelly
” in North America.
What are white and white-fronted geese?
The white-fronted goose is named for the
distinctive white band found at the base of
bill. The sexes are similar in appearance, but males typically are larger. The head, neck and upper back of white-fronted geese are grayish-brown. The lower back and rump are dark brown, and the tail is dark brown and edged with white.
Are White-Fronted Geese Rare?
This form breeds just around Cook Inlet in Alaska, and numbers only about 7,500. It winters in the Sacramento Valley of California, where it meets the more widespread subspecies.
What are white-fronted geese commonly known as?
White-fronted goose, also called
Specklebelly, orLaughing Goose
, (species Anser albifrons), rather small, dark-bodied goose with white forehead, yellow bill, and irregular black patches on the belly; it is classified in the tribe Anserini of the family Anatidae (order Anseriformes).
Are snow geese White-Fronted Geese?
Like populations of light geese (snow and Ross's geese),
white
-fronted goose numbers have increased over the last several decades. The growth of these Arctic goose populations is partially attributed to the birds' ability to exploit agricultural crops such as rice, corn, and soybeans on migration and wintering areas.
What do white-fronted geese look like?
Adults are
mostly brown with white feathering around the base of a pinkish-orange bill
. Black barring marks the belly and the undertail is white. In flight a white “U” at the base of the tail is visible. At rest, a thin white line stretches across their sides.
Is a spec a white-fronted goose?
Populations of greater
white
-fronted geese, commonly known as specs or speckle bellies, found in the Pacific Flyway have fluctuated for the past several decades. … Most white-fronted geese winter in the Central Valley of California, but white-fronts are observed and harvested in the permit zone every year.
Where do white-fronted geese live?
Greater White-fronted Geese breed in
the tundra near wetlands, rivers, and ponds
. During migration they forage in wet sedge meadows, tidal mudflats, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. In the winter they frequently roost on open lakes and ponds at night.
What goose is white?
Domestic geese
can be any color between completely gray (wild type) to completely white, but they are always big and blocky with a different bill shape. Another species of goose that has been domesticated is the Swan Goose, native to eastern Eurasia and sometimes called a Chinese goose.
How do you hunt white-fronted geese?
White-fronts tend to gather in
small groups at the edge of
snow goose flocks, so any decoys that look like white-fronts should be positioned to imitate that behavior. Arrive at your hunting area well before daylight, and hunt with several partners to hasten placement of decoys. Don't bunch the decoys too tightly.
Is there an albino goose?
It is indeed
a Canada goose
, but it's also described as leucistic
How long do white-fronted geese live?
The oldest recorded Greater White-fronted Goose was at least
25 years, 6 months
old when it was found in Louisiana in 1998. It had been banded in Nunavut in 1975.
How long do Chinese geese live?
Geese like these White Chinese normally live
10-15 years
. Unfortunately, since ducks and geese are prey animals, the main cause of death is usually predators–especially dogs. So the most important thing you can do to help your waterfowl live a long, happy life is to provide predator protection for them.
What do white-fronted geese eat?
Greater White-fronted Geese eat primarily
sedges, grasses, berries, and plant tubers during the summer and seeds, grain, and grasses in the winter
. They peck at vegetation and stems, plucking tubers, seeds, or grains from plants.
What are considered light geese?
Light geese include
lesser snow geese
(including blue), greater snow geese, and Ross's geese.
Is a Specklebelly goose considered a light goose?
The greater white-fronted goose
(Anser albifrons) is a small brown goose named for the white feathers surrounding its bill. Because of the dappled black markings on its creamy light breast (kind of resembling a birch or aspen tree), it is often called the “specklebelly” by waterfowl hunters.
