Barnacle goose call: Uku Paal, Xeno-Canto
Barnacle goose
Barnacle goose
Branta leucopsis
The barnacle goose is a medium-sized goose that breeds mainly in Greenland, Svalbard, and northern Russia. While most migrate to the UK for winter, some feral populations remain here all year round.
This sociable bird is easily recognised by its distinctive white face and belly. Unlike the similar-looking Canada goose, it has no brown colouring on its feathers. Barnacle geese feed on roots, stems, leaves, and seeds, and are most often seen on salt marshes in Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland.
Local spotlight
Small numbers of barnacle geese can be found around the Solent throughout the year.
Conservation status
The species is amber listed in the UK. Although not named in the Solent’s Special Protection Areas, barnacle geese are still important for coastal ecosystems and form part of the non-breeding waterbird assemblages for which these regions are protected.
Did you know?
Before migration was understood, people believed barnacle geese hatched from goose barnacles in the sea – which is how they got their name.
