Red-Breasted Goose
Branta ruficollis
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Range and habitat:
The Red-breasted goose breeds in Arctic Siberia
and winters in southeastern Europe.
Natural diet:
Red-breasted geese are vegetarians, eating mostly
various grasses and herbs.
Size / weight range:
Males of the species weigh 1,300 to 1,600
grams (2.9 to 3.5 pounds), while females weigh around 1,150 grams (about
2.5 pounds). Both males and females have a black head and back with a
chestnut colored breast that's broken up by bands of white.
Interesting facts:
This species is endangered. Over 80% of
the population roost during winter at only five sites.
Red-breasted geese nest in close vicinity to Peregrine Falcons. This is
thought to have evolved as an anti-fox adaptation. The Peregrine falcon
population decline has been suggested as a possible explanation of the
decline of Red-breasted geese.
Location at The Toledo Zoo:
Waterfowl pool in Skeldon Plaza
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