Greater White-fronted Goose

Greater white-fronted geese occupy both the Nearctic and Palearctic. North American birds summer in northern Alaska and northwestern Canada and winter near the Gulf Coast, while other populations occur across the Old World; Greenland birds winter in the United Kingdom. During breeding they inhabit riparian areas and the margins of lakes, streams, rivers, and marshes, nesting on the ground near water. Wintering flocks favor agricultural land with shallow standing water or freshwater marshes. Adults measure 64 to 81 centimeters and weigh 1.93 to 3.31 kilograms. (Animal Diversity Web)

These geese feed mainly on grasses, grains, berries, and other plant material. During breeding they also consume mollusks and aquatic insects, whereas wintering birds become exclusively herbivorous and use waste rice, soybeans, grains, new grasses, and forbs. Lifelong monogamous pairs breed once annually. A clutch contains four to seven eggs, averaging five, and incubation lasts 26 to 28 days. Young remain with their parents for at least a year and may assist with nest defense during the following breeding season. (Animal Diversity Web)