Bar-headed Goose

Bar-headed geese breed from Mongolia south through Russia and western China to Tibet, with their range extending west to Kyrgyzstan. Important wintering areas include the southern Tibetan-Qinghai Plateau, India, and Bangladesh. They inhabit high-elevation mountain grasslands, village crop fields, freshwater marshes, lakes, and streams, often between 4,000 and 6,000 meters. Some cross the Himalayas at altitudes near 9,000 meters. Adults measure 68 to 78 centimeters long, span 140 to 160 centimeters, and weigh 2 to 3 kilograms. (Animal Diversity Web)

These geese graze on highland grasses around nesting lakes and streams and also consume roots, seeds, grains, insects, fish, and agricultural crops such as corn, wheat, barley, and rice. They migrate socially in family groups or large colonies, using V-shaped and related flight formations. Bar-headed geese generally form long-lasting monogamous pairs, although polygyny sometimes occurs. They nest on the ground in highland wetlands, lay three to eight eggs, and incubate them for 28 to 30 days. Both parents protect the goslings. (Animal Diversity Web)