Anser albifrons (Scopoli, 1769) · hus bieločelá · Greater White-fronted Goose

Distribution

The Greater White-fronted Goose breeds in Arctic Eurasia and North America, moving into milder regions for winter. In Slovakia it is a regular migrant and locally numerous winter visitor, particularly in lowlands near large waters. It arrives in autumn, with conspicuous spring passage in February and March. Numbers vary between winters according to the weather and flock movements. It does not regularly breed here in the wild.

Habitat

It breeds in tundra; wintering areas combine open countryside with safe roosts on water. In Slovakia, look in fields, winter crops and meadows around the Danube and Morava rivers and in the Eastern Slovak Lowland. It may graze far from water by day; morning and evening flights between feeding areas and roosts are conspicuous.

Breeding

On its Arctic breeding grounds it builds a ground nest lined with down. The female incubates while the male remains nearby. Both parents then lead the young, which graze for themselves. This describes its northern breeding cycle, rather than breeding in Slovakia.

Food

It grazes grasses and other green plants. During migration and winter it also feeds on winter crops, seeds and crop remains in fields.

Interesting fact

Young geese initially lack the conspicuous white patch beside the bill and the bold dark bars on the belly. A flock of white-fronted geese may therefore contain individuals that do not yet look particularly true to their name.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · BTO BirdFacts · English Wikipedia