Bean Goose head

myminifactory

The bean goose is a distinctive goose that breeds in northern Europe and Asia, where it has two distinct varieties, each inhabiting different types of habitats. The taiga-dwelling variety is recognised as a separate species by the American Ornithologists' Union, while other authorities consider both to be part of the same species. As a migratory bird, the bean goose winters further south in Europe and Asia. The length of the bean goose ranges from 68 to 90 cm (27-35 inches), with a wingspan of between 140 and 174 cm (55-69 inches) and a weight of between 1.7 and 4 kg (3.7-8.8 pounds). In its nominate subspecies, males weigh an average of 3.2 kg (7.1 pounds) and females weigh an average of 2.84 kg (6.3 pounds). The bill of the bean goose is black at the base and tip, with a distinctive orange band running across the middle. The legs and feet are also bright orange in colour. In terms of its upper wing-coverts, the bean goose differs from other geese species by having narrow white fringes on its feathers. When it comes to voice, the bean goose is known for its loud honking sound, which is higher pitched in smaller subspecies. The closely related pink-footed goose has a distinctively short bill that is bright pink in colour and feet also of pink hue. In terms of size and bill structure, it is very similar to Anser fabalis rossicus, and was often treated as a sixth subspecies of bean goose in the past. To learn more about bird identification projects like "Mark my Bird", click on this link: http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/955c0fd6-2b96-46ed-b6f9-9060100cf825.