Barnacle Goose (Vitkindadgås)

Characteristics:
The Barnacle Goose is a medium-sized goose, slightly smaller than the Canada Goose, measuring 60–70 cm in length with a wingspan up to 145 cm.
It is easily recognised by its black head and neck, white forehead and cheeks, light grey back, and white belly.
The tail is white with a black tip, the legs and bill are black, and the wings are light grey with darker edges.
Its call is a high-pitched, barking “ka-yak, ka-yak”, often heard in flight.

Habitat:
The Barnacle Goose originally bred in Arctic regions such as Svalbard, Greenland, and northern Russia, but has established breeding populations in Sweden since the mid-1900s.
Today it breeds in southern and central Sweden, especially in the Stockholm archipelago, Öland, Gotland, and along the west coast.
During migration, large flocks gather along coastal areas and farmland.

Behaviour:
The species is social, alert, and wary.
It often flies in V-formation, maintaining contact with its flock through constant calling.
During the breeding season, it lives in pairs, but in autumn and winter it forms large flocks.

Diet:
The Barnacle Goose is herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, herbs, grain, and beet crops.
In autumn, it feeds extensively on farmland crops, and in spring it grazes new grass on coastal meadows and golf courses.

Reproduction:
Breeding occurs in May–June.
The nest is built on ground or cliffs, often on small islands to avoid predators.
The female lays 4–6 eggs, incubated for 25–27 days.
The goslings leave the nest shortly after hatching and follow their parents to the nearest water.
They become fully fledged after about 6–7 weeks.

Migration:
Swedish Barnacle Geese are partly migratory.
Many overwinter in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, while northern populations migrate further south.
Migration occurs in September–October, and they return in March–April.

Distribution:
Naturally found in northern Europe and Arctic regions, the Barnacle Goose has expanded rapidly in Sweden over the last 50 years.
It is now common in coastal and archipelago areas, as well as in urban parks and agricultural land.

Hunting:
The Barnacle Goose is a game species in Sweden according to the Hunting Ordinance (Bilaga 1), but hunting is restricted to certain areas.
Hunting season (2025):

• Kalmar County (Öland): 1 October – 31 December
  Protective hunting is allowed year-round where the species causes damage to crops.

Hunting is usually conducted as field hunting with decoys, or flight hunting in the morning and evening.

Firearm class (Sweden):
The species may be hunted with:

• Shotgun, typically using pellet size no. 3–5, or
• Rifle class 3 (for stalking or single accurate shots).

Think for the hunting exam:

• Medium-sized goose with black head and neck, white face, and grey body.
• Found in coastal and archipelago habitats.
• Eats grass, grain, and beet crops.
• Flies in V-formation, often in large flocks.
• Ground or cliff nester, 4–6 eggs.
• Partly migratory, winters in northern Europe.
• Game species – hunting limited to October–December in specific areas.
• Hunted with shotgun (no. 3–5) or rifle class 3.
• Alert and cautious, requires good concealment and patience.