Greenland White-fronted Geese are a very distinct form that
breeds in western Greenland. It is much darker overall than
White-fronted Goose, with only a very narrow white tip to the
tail, more black barring on its belly and usually an orange
bill. It winters in Ireland and western Scotland. Recent
ecological studies suggest the Greenland birds should probably
be considered a separate species from Anser albifrons. Of
particular interest is its unusually long period of parental
care and association, which may last several years and can
include grand parenting, possibly uniquely amongst Anseriformes.
In the UK two races over winter: Greenland birds in Scotland and
Ireland, and Russian birds in England and Wales. They gather on
farmland at favoured traditional sites. Greenland birds in
Ireland from late September through the winter months constitute
almost 50% of the entire population.
There have been two Greenland White-fronted Geese reported from
S. Gloucestershire;
2010: (2)
Two were watched in flight south-west past Littleton-on-Severn
at 09:17 on October 17th. They then flew down to the Severn
Bridge turned and came back north-east past Littleton-on-Severn
where they were seen in excellent light and at one point less
than 100 metres. They continued upriver towards Oldbury Power
Station and were noted to be adult birds, 'bulky' with dark and
heavily barred bellies and orange bills. (Matt Plenty)