|
 Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis L 64, W 140. Breeds on foxproof cliff ledges and offshore islets, in three well-separated populations, in E Greenland, Svalbard and Novaya Zemlya (greatest numbers), wintering in W Scotland/Ireland, the Solway Firth and in the Netherlands, respectively. Has begun to nest on a few small islands off E Gotland (Sweden; this population has increased greatly in the 1980's. Grazes on coastal meadows in large flocks (usually unmixed. Juveniles similar to adults but lack crescentic barring on flanks typical of all adult geese. Migrating flocks often large, usually fly in Brent-like bow formation rather than in regu!ar V, but with markedly slower wingbeats than Brent, equal to White-fronted Goose. In flight, at a distance, white head is difficult to discern, breast-belly contrast being a better character. Call a nasal, monosyllabic yelping 'gak', merging into aloud roar in large flocks. W
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
Buy
in UK---------------------Buy
in US
|
