Bird · GBIF taxon 2498035
Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicusBar-headed Geese are famous for performing one of the world's highest migrations, flying directly over the Himalayas at altitudes exceeding 7,000 meters. Their striking white head, accented by two dark bars across the crown, makes them easy to identify among waterfowl. Outside of the nesting season on remote mountain lakes, they gather in noisy, sociable flocks on lowland agricultural fields and riverbanks.
MigratoryHigh AltitudeWaterfowl
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Grains
- Aquatic Plants
Predators
- Snow Leopard
- Golden Eagle
- Red Fox
ThreatsHabitat loss, wetland degradation, egg collection
HabitatsHigh-altitude lakes, mountain valleys, lowland rivers, agricultural fields
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAnatidae
- SpeciesAnser indicus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Nesting birds defend ground territory aggressively; observe from a distance.
Responsible observation
- Observing Migration: Scan the high passes of the Himalayas in spring and autumn for V-formations flying at extreme altitudes.
- Colony Etiquette: Avoid approaching breeding sites around high mountain lakes to prevent nest abandonment.
- Winter Spotting: Look for large flocks grazing in agricultural fields and river basins across South Asia.
Predator Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet · cc-by
Close Relative grihahasanov / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.