Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
bar-headed goose
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Anser indicus
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Voice
Call
Call
How to recognize it
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Body length 70–75 cm
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Greyish body, white head and sides of neck, two black bars on crown and nape
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Yellow bill and tall legs
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Typical honking call in flight
About the species
A pale grey body and wings meet a white head and neck, with white extending down the sides. Two black bars cross the crown and back of the head, while the bill and legs are yellow. Its coloring is noticeably paler than that of other grey geese.
It spends much of its time on land, where it walks and runs well rather than staying on the water. In flight, it gives a familiar goose honk. On its seasonal journey between Central Asia and South Asia, it crosses the Himalayas in stages, often following lower valleys and passes and flying at night.
In summer, it breeds near high-altitude lakes in Central Asia, sometimes in colonies numbering thousands, grazing on short grass and nesting on the ground. It heads south for winter, reaching as far as peninsular India, where it feeds in cultivated fields on barley, rice, and wheat.
Where to find
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In summer, by high-altitude lakes in Central Asia, watch for grazing on short grass near the water.
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During nesting season, on the shores and islands of mountain rivers, the bar-headed goose spends more time walking and running on land than on the water.
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In winter, on cultivated fields in South Asia, look for feeding on barley, rice, and wheat.
