The pink-footed goose
Latin name
Anser brachyrhynchus
Overview
The pink-footed goose is a medium-sized goose, smaller than a mute swan but bigger than a mallard. It is pinkish grey with a dark head and neck, a pink bill and pink feet and legs. It looks a bit daintier than other geese. This species does not breed in the UK, but large numbers of birds spend the winter here, arriving from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland. Numbers in England are on the increase, particularly around The Wash, probably due to better protection at winter roosts.
Where to see them
Large estuaries, such as on the east Scottish coast,Loch of Stratbeg, The Wash, the Ribble and the Solway, or on surrounding farmland where birds go in the day to feed.
When to see them
They arrive in the UK in October and depart in April.
What they eat
Grain, winter cereals, potatoes and grass.
Estimated numbers
UK wintering - 192,000 individual birds
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