Bar-headed goose

Anser indicus

In autumn, bar-headed geese migrate from the high plateaus of Central Asia to the lowlands, crossing the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalayas, in the process. Individual flocks have even been spotted at altitudes of over 9,000 metres!

Red List

Least Concern

At their wintering grounds, they rest at night on lakes or sandbanks along large rivers. During the day, they migrate to feeding grounds further afield.

In their breeding grounds, bar-headed geese tend to settle near buzzards, which provide a degree of protection against predators of eggs and chicks.

Bar-headed geese recognise people who visit them regularly. They greet them by displaying their courtship behaviour.

Taxonomy

Anatidae, Anser (11 species)

Habitat

water bodies in the mountain steppes at altitudes of 3,000 to 5,600 metres above sea level

Social structure

permanent monogamy

Diet

grass