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White Fronted Goose
The White-fronted Goose, also called the Greater White-fronted Goose, is a migratory waterfowl species that regularly occurs in British Columbia during spring and fall migration. They are less common than Canada Geese but are a managed hunting species in specific areas where populations are monitored and sustainable harvest is allowed.
Yellow Listed
Human Health Hazard
Conservation Status
Syilx
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Description
White-fronted Geese are medium-sized waterfowl, measuring 65–75 cm in length with a wingspan of 130–165 cm and weighing 2.3–3.5 kg. They have a gray-brown body with fine barring on the belly, a white facial patch at the base of the bill, and orange legs and bill. Juveniles are duller in color but otherwise similar to adults.
Habitat
These geese prefer freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and agricultural fields during migration and staging periods. They are typically found in open habitats with access to water and nearby forage. During migration, they may also utilize coastal estuaries and wetlands.
Food
White-fronted Geese are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, grains, seeds, and aquatic vegetation. During stopovers in agricultural areas, they may consume wheat, barley, corn, and other crops, which can sometimes bring them into conflict with farmers.
Social System, Activity & Movements
White-fronted Geese are highly social, forming flocks of varying size, particularly during migration. They communicate with loud honks and coordinated flight patterns, which aid in predator detection and group cohesion. They are gregarious outside the breeding season, often mixing with other waterfowl species.
Reproduction & Parental Care
Breeding occurs in the Arctic tundra, far north of British Columbia. Females lay 3–6 eggs per clutch, incubated for 23–25 days. Goslings are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching and feeding themselves, though they are guarded by both parents until capable of flight at 6–8 weeks.
Natural Mortality & Predators
Predators include raptors, foxes, and other carnivores, mostly targeting eggs and goslings. Adults face risks from hunting, severe weather, and disease. Migration poses additional mortality due to energy demands and predation along flyways.
Credit
ChatGPT