Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Red-breasted goose
Latin Name: Branta ruficollis

Class: Birds
Order:    Anseriformes

Description
The red-breasted goose derives its name from its bold coloration, which includes a red chest and throat and red spots on the sides of the head. These red patches are surrounded by white feathers, which extend back beneath the wings to the rear belly. The bird’s back and front stomach are black.

Range
The species breeds in northern Russia and winters in dense roosting colonies in Bulgaria and Romania.

Status
Endangered. Because 80-90 percent of the red-breasted goose population winters in just five roosting sites, they are especially susceptible to habitat loss.

Habitat
The red-breasted goose nests in the Arctic tundra, but spends winters feeding on natural grasslands.

Niche
The red-breasted goose feeds on grasses, leafs and seeds.

Life History
The species deliberately locates its nest near peregrine falcon and snowy owl habitats. These predators prey on species, such as the Arctic fox, that would threaten the red-breasted goose and its offspring.

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