Similar Species
Canada Goose
Adult
Neck and head is black not brown as on Greater White-fronted Goose. The bill and leg color also differ. Canada Goose has a black bill and legs.
© Max McCarthy | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, February 24, 2017Similar Species
Snow Goose
Adult blue morph
The blue from of Snow Goose has darker brown upperparts and a whiter head than Greater White-fronted Goose.
© Simon Boivin | Macaulay LibraryQuebec, May 07, 2017Similar Species
Graylag Goose
Adult
Graylag Geese are much larger and bulkier than Greater White-fronted Geese with a heavier, brighter pink bill and a striped neck.
© Brooke Miller | Macaulay LibraryScotland, June 02, 2015Main Species
Greater White-fronted Goose
Adult
Medium-sized heavy-bodied goose. Adults are mostly brown with white feathering around the base of a pinkish-orange bill. The belly has variable black barring on belly with white undertail. Note orange legs.
© Ryan Schain | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, December 13, 2010Juvenile
Juveniles lack the black barring below and the white feathering around base of the bill.
© Greg Gillson | Macaulay LibraryOregon, December 31, 2010Adult
During the winter congregates in wetlands and ponds.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 20, 2012Adult
In flight shows grayish wings and a white "U" shape on the dark tail and rump.
© Scott Heidorn | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 11, 2014Adult
The color of the bill is pinker on some individuals.
© David Disher | Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, December 28, 2016Adult
Some individuals show more extensive black baring below, and have brighter orange bills.
© Derek Rogers | Macaulay LibraryNew York, January 14, 2016Adult
Some individuals have less black barring below and appear rather pale bellied.
© Mary Rumple | Macaulay LibraryIdaho, March 02, 2017Habitat
Often occurs in large flocks and frequents grassy estuaries and wetlands.
© Richard MacIntosh | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, May 03, 2017(with Cackling Goose)
Often flocks with other goose species.
© John Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryOregon, October 03, 2015