2024 Birdorable Bonanza Bird #1

Meet the Red-breasted Goose: A Vibrant Arctic Traveler

Birdorable Red-breasted Goose

It's that time of year again—our annual Birdorable Bonanza is here! For the next 15 days, we'll be introducing a brand-new Birdorable bird every single day. 🐦✨

Since 2009, Birdorable Bonanzas have been a beloved tradition, showcasing some of the world's most fascinating, adorable, and unique bird species in our adorable cartoon style. This year, we're thrilled to continue the journey with more incredible designs, fun facts, and surprises along the way!

Get ready to meet today’s featured bird… Let the Bonanza begin with the Red-breasted Goose! 🎊

The Red-breasted Goose is a strikingly colorful waterfowl native to Eurasia. Recognized by its vivid reddish breast and intricate black-and-white contrasting plumage, this small goose stands out among waterfowl. Measuring approximately 21 to 22 inches in length, it is the smallest species within the Branta genus.

Red-breasted Goose with Brant by Nick Goodrum [CC BY 2.0]

Breeding in the Arctic tundras of Siberia, the Red-breasted Goose undertakes a remarkable migration to wintering grounds along the northwestern shores of the Black Sea, including countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine. Occasionally, it ventures further southwest to Greece. During migration, these geese often associate with flocks of Brant or Barnacle Geese, making them a rare but exciting sight for birdwatchers in Western Europe.

One remarkable trait of the Red-breasted Goose is its preference for nesting near birds of prey, such as Peregrine Falcons and Snowy Owls. This unusual strategy helps protect their eggs and goslings, as the presence of predators deters other animals like foxes from raiding nests. While this tactic is clever, it doesn't shield them from the significant challenges they face. 

The Red-breasted Goose is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and climate change have contributed to its declining population. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with organizations working to monitor and protect this species along its migratory routes.

Red-breasted Goose photo

Red-breasted Goose Gifts from Birdorable

Tomorrow's new Birdorable Bonanza bird is a splash of color in a cold climate! This colorful little friend is full of hues in blue and purple, and is named for the color of its brows. Can you guess which vibrant little beauty will be revealed next?

Comments

Woodpiecer on November 18, 2024 at 9:21 AM wrote:
White-browed Tit-Warbler
Spurwing Plover on February 3, 2025 at 6:51 PM wrote:
And they can afford good protection from Falcons to Guard their Nests

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Did You Know? Pigeon Milk

Birdorable Rock Pigeon Did you know that some species of bird feed their chicks milk? It's true, but it's not the same kind of milk that mammal mothers feed their young. This baby bird food is secreted from the lining of...

Meet the Birdorable Rufous Hornbill: A Philippine Treasure

Today’s new species is one of 10 hornbill species found in the Philippines. The Rufous Hornbill is a Philippine endemic found in forest habitat across 11 of the nations’ islands. It is also known as the Philippine Hornbill. There is little known to science...

2018 Bonanza Bird #2: Palila

Today our 2018 Bonanza continues with a Hawaiian species of honeycreeper: the Palila! Many species of Hawaiian honeycreeper are endangered or face threats, and the Palila is no different, unfortunately. The Palila is considered to be critically endangered, due in part to...

White-faced Whistling-Duck: Bridging Continents with its Range

Today’s new Birdorable is one of eight species of Whistling-Duck in the world. The White-faced Whistling-Duck joins the family! White-faced Whistling-Ducks have an interesting range that includes large areas on two continents. They are found around freshwater habitat in sub-Saharan Africa and throughout...