Fennoscandian Lesser White-fronted Goose conservation project ...

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Carduelis spinus Kustanay: 7 October: 15 ind. at Naurzum forest Carduelis flavirostris Kustanay: 6 October: altogether c. 250 ind. were migrating in small flocks at Lake Batpakkol Tengiz: tens Carduelis cannabina Tengiz: 2 ind. Carduelis flammea Kustanay: 6 October: 15 ind. at Lake Batpakkol Coccothraustes coccothraustes Tengiz: 3 ind. Calcarius lapponicus Kustanay: c.100 ind. Tengiz: c. 20 ind. Emberiza citrinella Kustanay: c. 90 ind. Tengiz: c. 20 identified pure E. Fennoscandian Lesser White-fronted Goose conservation project – Annual report 1999 citrinella + c. 100 unidentified E.citrinella/leucocephala Emberiza leucocephala Tengiz: 8 identidied pure E. leucocephala, in addition
The similarity of the Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) and the White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) is one of the main problems in the conservation of the Lesser White-fronted Goose. The identification of these two species is surprisingly difficult. Size alone can not be used to identify the species. The head of the Lesser White-front is smaller and neater, more rounded (sometimes the head appears to be box-shaped) with a relatively bigger eye and steeper forehead than White-fronted Goose. The bill is relatively much shorter than in White-fronted Goose and almost triangular in shape. The neck of Lesser White-front is distinctly shorter and relatively thicker than in the White-front. In a flock on the ground, a good hint for sorting out a Lesser White-front is the overall darkness of the bird. In addition, Lesser White-fronts normally show a more upright posture than White-fronts. The wings of the Lesser White-front are relatively somewhat longer, reaching beyond the tail (when fully grown), but careful observation is necessary because also White-fronts can sit in a position where the wings reach beyond the tail. Flight identification (see front cover) In flight, the two species are very difficult to separate. The identification is easier if a direct comparison with the other species is possible. Especially single juvenile Lesser White-fronts in a flock of White-fronted Geese are extremely difficult to discover and identify. The colouring of the wing of Lesser White-fronted Goose and Whitefronted Goose is very similar. The primary coverts and the base of a few outermost primaries are quite light blue–grey in both species. Both of the species has one clearly visible white wing bar, formed by the white tips of the greater secondary coverts. The smaller size of the Lesser White-front alone is not a good cue for flight identification, but the shorter neck and bill, and the relatively somewhat narrower wings are flight identification cues that should be paid attention to. This, combined with the shape of the head and the uniform darkness of the head and the upper neck of the Lesser White-fronted Goose are the only valuable features for flight identification. Further information on identification: Øien, I.J., Tolvanen, P., Aarvak, T. & Markkola, J. 1999: Occurrence and identification of Lesser White-fronted Goose. – Alula 5:18–23. Adult Bean Goose of taiga race Anser fabalis fabalis Adult White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons albifrons Above. The ground colour of head and neck is one of the most important and useful features to separate adult Lesser White-fronted Goose from White-fronted Goose. In the Lesser White-front, the whole head and the upper 2/3 of neck is quite uniformly dark brown, distinctly darker than in the White-fronted Goose. In the White-fronted Goose, only a narrow zone at the rear margin of the white blaze is dark brown, contrasting clearly with the light brown head and neck. The short triangular bill of the Lesser White-front is brighter pink in colour than the bill of the White-front, and the white blaze reaches further up on crown. Both species show much variation in the size of the white blaze; some individuals (especially 2cy birds in spring) have very small white blaze and the shape of the blaze should not be used as an identification feature alone. Even if the swollen bright-yellow eye ring of the Lesser Whitefronted Goose is prominent at short distances, it is normally not visible beyond 300 metres, but exceptionally the eye-ring can be seen with a good telescope at a distance of c. 600 metres. It is also worth noting that c. 20% of White-fronts of the nominate race show a thin dull yellow eye ring. Adult Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus Illustrations © Jari Kostet 1999
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WWF Finland Report No 12 - NOF Rapp
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Fennoscandian Lesser White-fronted
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Fennoscandian Lesser White-fronted Goose conservation project ...

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