Kill not the goose that lays the golden eggs

Kill not the goose that lays the golden eggs.

An old proverb

White-fronted Goose: Have you seen this bird?

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Greater White-fronted Goose

The Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) is a goose species closely related to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Goose. In Europe it has been known as simply “White-fronted Goose”.

The Greater White-fronted Goose is divided into five subspecies. All these races are similar in plumage, differing only in size.

Identification Tips:
• Length: 20 inches Wingspan: 60 inches
• Sexes similar
• Medium-sized long-necked goose

Adult
• Mostly brown plumage
• White patch at base of pink or orange bill
• Irregular black spots on belly
• White line separating belly from wings
• White under and uppertail coverts, dark tail
• Orange legs and feet

Similar species:
The White-fronted Goose is the only goose with irregular black spots on the belly and a white patch at the base of the bill. Immatures lack these marks and could be confused with immature blue phase Snow Geese but they have yellowish rather than dark bills, legs, and feet. Escaped domesticated geese can be similar.

The very distinct Greenland White-fronted Goose breeds in western Greenland. It is much darker overall than the other races. It winters in Ireland and western Scotland.

Kill not the goose that lays the golden eggs.

Variation:

Don’t kill the goose with the golden egg.

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Kill not the goose that lays the golden eggs.

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