Birdsong field guide
Taiga Bean-Goose
Anser fabalis
A large, long-necked Eurasian goose characterized by its dark brown plumage and distinct orange-and-black bill. It is the forest-dwelling counterpart to the more common Tundra Bean-Goose.
What it sounds like
A deep, resonant, multi-syllabic 'ung-ank' or 'ka-yak,' typically lower-pitched than the Greater White-fronted Goose.
Field notes
- The species is named for its historical habit of foraging in bean stubble fields during its winter migration through Europe.
- Unlike most geese that nest in open areas, the Taiga Bean-Goose prefers secluded, wooded swamps and bogs within the boreal forest.
- It is distinguished from the Tundra Bean-Goose by its longer, more slender bill and a larger proportional amount of orange coloration.
- Pairs are known for their high site fidelity, often returning to the exact same remote woodland pool to breed year after year.
- During the flightless molting period, they become extremely secretive and retreat into dense marsh vegetation to avoid predators.
Habitat
Nests in boggy taiga and boreal forests; winters in agricultural fields, grasslands, and freshwater wetlands.
Range
Breeds across Northern Scandinavia and Russia; winters in Western Europe, Central Asia, China, and Japan.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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