Swan Goose
Anser cygnoid

>> GENERAL >>>>>

– large goose, slightly larger than Greylag Goose
– all birds recorded in WP are escapes, at some places with self-sustaining populations
– diurnal migrant
– in Asia migrates in flocks in formation
– in Europe often mixed with other geese

>> VISUAL ID >>>>>


Swan Goose Anser cygnoid
BIF0175, 20/05/2011, Taschgai, Mongolia, Mathias Putze


Swan Goose Anser cygnoid
BIF0176, 20/05/2011, Taschgai, Mongolia, Mathias Putze


Swan Goose Anser cygnoid
BIF0177, 20/05/2011, Taschgai, Mongolia, Mathias Putze


Swan Goose Anser cygnoid
BIF0178, 31/05/2011, Taschgai, Mongolia, Mathias Putze


Swan Goose Anser cygnoid
BIF2809, 02/09/2017, Dornod, Mongolia, Mathias Putze

>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>

– a variety of different calls in flight and during migration
– all calls are highly variable, different transitional forms exist
– (gradual) differences between sexes and age classes likely
– two common call groups during migration: honks and squeals
– honks and squeals with regular disharmonic partials and voice breaks
– the modulation of honks is very variable
– short calls (chuckle) when irritated or disturbed (observers)
– chuckles uttered singly or in series


– overview –

– detail –
Swan Goose Anser cygnoid, calls in flight (squeal, honk)
Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis macronyx, song

BIF0179, 09/06/2013, Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia, Patrick Franke

>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>

Pink-footed Goose
Greylag Goose
Tundra Bean Goose
Taiga Bean Goose
Greater White-fronted Goose
Lesser White-fronted Goose
Bar-headed Goose

#goose #geese #waterbird #waterfowl

#ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress