Barnacle Goose - Branta leucopsis
Description
Smaller than the more common Canada Goose, it has a grey back, black neck and white face.
Identification difficulty

Habitat
Estuaries, coastal, lakes & reservoirs.
When to see it
October to March.
Life History
This bird is a vegetarian, eating grass, seeds and small plants. It likes to graze on grassland near to water. It breeds in northern Scandinavia and Russia but some migrate to Britain in the winter.
UK Status
It is most commonly seen in the north-west of Scotland and around the coast in Ireland but occasional birds turn up in Leicestershire and Rutland.
VC55 Status
Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015