Copyright © J. Harteman
Anser erythropus
Dutch: Goudooggans / Dwerggans
German: Zwerggans
French: Oie naine
They resemble the Greater White-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), but are smaller and have a yellow line around their eyes. They are the smallest among the gray geese (Anser) and breed in Tundra areas close to the woods. They used to breed in Northern Scandinavia too, but have become exctinct there. They hibernate around the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. These days they only breed in Siberia and hibernate along parts of the coast of the Caspian Sea and in Iran. There are Lesser white-fronted geese that hibernate in China, but by hunting among others, their numbers have drastically decreased! The nest, often near some bushes, usually has 4 to 6 eggs, which hatch after 25 to 28 days. Their ringsize is 14 mm. Ring the goslings when these are 10 days old.
© Jan Harteman / Harteman Wildfowl / www.harteman.nl
