Taken at Hayling Island, Hants, on March 5th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Taken at Titchwell, Norfolk, on February 3rd 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 55 - 62 cm; WS: 105 - 117 cm

The Brent Goose has a black head and neck, and grey-brown back, with either a pale or dark belly, depending on the race. Adults have a small white neck patch and a bright white tail.

It is found in Europe, Asia and N America.

It breeds on arctic islands and coasts, preferring low tundra near the sea. In winter it is found on estuaries and saltmarshes.

Birds fly in loose flocks along the coast, rather than in tight skeins like grey geese.

It is on the UK Amber list because of the important numbers found at just a few sites. Around 150000 birds over-winter in the UK.

Sightings