Lesser White-fronted Goose
Anser erythropus
One of the earliest arriving wild geese in autumn. It closely resembles the much more common Greater White-fronted Goose, making accurate identification challenging, requiring expertise and experience. Key distinguishing features include a prominent yellow eye-ring (bright lemon yellow in adults, duller in juveniles), small size, rounded head, steep forehead, short bright pink bill, short neck and a white forehead patch extending to a peak on the head in adults.
A globally vulnerable species, it is strictly protected in Hungary, with a conservation value of 1,000,000 HUF. It is also a Natura 2000 qualifying species in the EU.
It breeds in the Arctic tundra beyond the tree line, near small lakes, rivers and marshes. The total global population is estimated at 20,000-25,000 breeding individuals.
There are three known populations. The East Siberian population does not migrate through Hungary. The Scandinavian population is critically small, with only 20-25 breeding pairs (~200 individuals). Their migration route passes through the Hortobágy and leads to the Evros Delta in Greece. The West Siberian population is the one typically seen in Komárom-Esztergom County, including on the Tata Öreg-tó during winter.
Today, a few individuals or small family groups regularly overwinter in the Tatai-tavak Ramsar Site.
Illustration: Szabolcs Kókay – BirdLife Hungary– www.mme.hu
