Greater White-fronted Goose

Greater White-fronted Geese have brown heads and white faces giving them their name. They have dark bodies with black barring along their bellies. During flight, white feathers on their under tails create a distinct 'U' shape when viewed from below. They have orange legs and pinkish-orange bills. They are social, but territorial during the breeding season.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Anser albifrons
CLASSIFICATION: Bird
LIFE SPAN: 15-20 Years
SIZE: 25-39” | 4-7lbs
STATE CONSERVATION STATUS: State Protected
FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
GAME STATUS: Game
GAME TYPE: Waterfowl

Washoe
Humboldt
Pershing
Churchill
Mineral
Lyon
Douglas
Carson City
Storey

Elko
Lander
Eureka
White Pine

Esmeralda
Nye
Lincoln
Clark

Developed Landscapes
Lakes and reservoirs

Natural History

Greater White-fronted Geese primarily eat plant matter such as seeds, grains, grasses, and berries, but also consume aquatic insects and mollusks. Before migration, female Greater White-fronted Geese will gain 30 percent more body weight in preparation for the journey and egg production. They will lay four to seven eggs, which hatch after 26-28 days. Greater White-fronted Geese form pair bonds and the young maintain association with their parents for years.