Bar-headed Goose

About

The Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) is a remarkable bird species known for its high-altitude migrations. It breeds in Central Asia, particularly near mountain lakes, and winters in South Asia, including India and Burma. This goose is easily identified by the distinctive black bars on its head. Its plumage is pale grey, with bright orange legs and bill. Both males and females have similar appearances, though males are slightly larger. Bar-headed Geese are renowned for their extraordinary ability to fly at extreme altitudes, often crossing the Himalayas during migration. While they are capable of reaching heights over 7,000 meters, most flights occur at lower altitudes. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, grains, and occasionally insects and crustaceans. They are social birds, nesting in large colonies and migrating in "V"-shaped formations. Despite their impressive adaptations, they face threats such as habitat loss and avian influenza.