Greater White-fronted Goose – Length 26 – 33 inches
The Greater White-fronted Goose is named for the white band at the base of the bill. There are several races of this species of goose. The amount of white at the base of the bill varies by race as do the markings on the belly and back. All are easily identifiable as the Greater White-fronted Goose.
Notice the difference in bill colors and the amount of white at the base of the bill. Bill color ranges from pink to yellow. Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Photograph © Glenn Bartley
Adult. Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Difficult to see in these images, there is a “U”-shaped white patch on the rump.
Note the variable amount of black markings on the underside. The goose on the far left is not marked underneath and is an immature goose. Juveniles similar to adults but pale neck and belly without markings.
Immature Greater White-fronted Goose. Very limited white markings at the base of the bill and unmarked chest. Photograph © Tom Grey.
Another immature Greater White-fronted Goose. Photograph © Glenn Bartley
This goose is starting to molt into adult plumage. Some white is starting to show up at the base of the bill. Chest and belly darker than the bird above. Photograph Tom Grey.