Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsis
Length 58-69cm

Small, well-marked goose. Winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds. Seen from October to March usually in large, noisy flocks which utter loud, barking calls. Vast majority of birds return to traditional wintering grounds. Adult has white face, black neck, barred dark grey upperparts and paler barred underparts; juvenile similar but markings less distinct. Flocks feed on coastal grassland and often roost on mudflats. Birds from Svalbard winter mainly on Solway Firth where best seen at Caerlaverock WWT Reserve. Greenland population winters mainly on Islay and in Ireland. Solitary birds likely to be escapees from captivity.