Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsis (Bechstein, 1803)
BY
BARGO
1670
Family: Anseriformes > Anatidae
The small size, yapping calls and sharply patterned greyscale plumage distinguish the Barnacle Goose from similar species.
This is a small migratory goose that arrives from the far north to winter in northern Britain. In recent decades, it has also become increasingly familiar as a naturalised resident, and might now be seen at almost any wetland and in any season.
While its seasonal abundances and absences were once the subject of legend and mystery, its migrations are now much better understood, thanks to ongoing ringing and tracking studies. Even though its wide Arctic range supports several distinct breeding populations, which appear to have largely separate migration routes and wintering areas, the lack of geographical variation and subspecies is in surprising contrast to most other goose species.
Identification
Barnacle Goose identification is usually straightforward.
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to example recordings of the main vocalisations of Barnacle Goose, provided by xeno-canto contributors.
Flight call
Alarm call
Call
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Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
POPULATION CHANGE
This species is mainly a winter visitor to the UK, but there is also a recently established and small naturalised breeding population which is increasing and expanding. This was estimated at 1,450 breeding pairs for the period 2012–15 (APEP4).
DISTRIBUTION
Birds wintering along the coast and islands of northwestern Scotland and western Ireland are largely from the Greenland-breeding population, whilst the birds on the Solway Firth and on the east coast of Britain are largely from the Svalbard population. The naturalised population, which is found mainly in Britain, has a much wider distribution, and accounts for many of the occupied 10-km squares in inland areas, particularly throughout England.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
No. occupied in breeding season | 83 |
% occupied in breeding season | 2.7 |
No. occupied in winter | 801 |
% occupied in winter | 27 |
European Distribution Map
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
In Britain, a range increase of 79% is evident since the 1981–84 Winter Atlas, with many gains throughout England being associated with the increasing naturalised population. Along the western coast of Scotland, particularly in the strongholds of the Solway Firth, Islay and the Outer Hebrides, the number of occupied 10-km squares has largely remained stable, despite a population increase.
Change in occupied 10-km squares in the UK
% change in range in breeding season (1968–72 to 2008–11) | +4000% |
% change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | +76.4% |
SEASONALITY
Barnacle Geese can now be seen year-round, with large wintering flocks giving way to a small but growing naturalised breeding population in summer.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Foreign locations of birds ringed or recovered in Britain & Ireland
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Barnacle Goose, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
SURVIVAL & LONGEVITY
View number ringed each year in the Online Ringing Report
Maximum Age from Ringing | 26 years 11 months 11 days (set in 2004) |
Typical Lifespan | 14 years with breeding typically at 3 year |
Adult Survival | 0.91 (Male: 0.9±0.01 Female: 0.9±0.01) |
BIOMETRICS
Wing Length | Adults | 411.2±18.7 | Range 385–438mm, N=402 |
Juveniles | 396.8±14.7 | Range 375-420mm, N=23 | |
Males | 421.1±14 | Range 395–443mm, N=215 | |
Females | 399.9±17.1 | Range 380–425mm, N=184 |
Body Weight | Adults | 1.83±0.19 | Range 1.53–2.15kg, N=408 |
Juveniles | 1.70±0.18 | Range 1.40–1.95kg, N=24 | |
Males | 1.93±0.17 | Range 1.64–2.20kg, N=222 | |
Females | 1.72±0.16 | Range 1.48–1.98kg, N=184 |
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
Ring size | J |
Field Codes | 2-letter: BY | 5-letter code: BARGO | Euring: 1670 |
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Research
Interpretation and scientific publications about Barnacle Goose from BTO scientists.
CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
Causes of change
There is little good evidence available regarding the drivers of the breeding population increase in this species in the UK. However, the species is likely to benefit from factors similar to those which have enabled other goose species (Canada Goose, Greylag Goose and more recently Egpytian Goose) to expand rapidly in the UK. These may include recent improvements in the availability and condition of wetland habitats, and (in urban parks) a relative scarcity of predators compared to more natural habitats. It is unclear whether the Barnacle Goose population will grow as rapidly as the other goose species as it may face competition from the three established species.
Links to more information from ConservationEvidence.com
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