The red-breasted goose breeds in Arctic Siberia, mostly wintering along the northwestern shores of the Black Sea in Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine but some winter in Azerbaijan. It is a rare vagrant to Great Britain and other western European areas, where it is sometimes found with flocks of Brent or barnacle geese. In its Arctic breeding grounds it will nest with birds of prey fro protection from predators.
Key ID Features:
The smallest of the Branta family, typically dark but colourful.
Black body contrasts strongly with white flank stripe, double narrow wing bars, undertail and head and neck markings but the rich russet breast and neck patch are distinctive.
Black legs are matched by a very small bill.
Overview
Scientific name: Branta ruficollis
Family: Swans, Ducks & Geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
Escapees from collections often found with Brent Geese.
Seen in UK:
All year round in small areas where breeding occurs but mainly in winter when continental populations can visit.
What they eat
Grass and crops.
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
