In the Falklands this is the 'Brent' or 'Brant' goose. The male is slightly larger than the female, length 51-56cm (20-22inches), otherwise they are similar. Distinct ruddy head, white eye ring, greyish neck, yellow legs. Fine barring, similar to female Upland Goose but smaller with lighter barring. Usually seen in pairs.  These geese favour coastal areas, and are shy and wary.

In South America due to the spread of foxes and loss of habitat they have declined drastically over the last 35 years. Chile and Argentina are working together to co-ordinate conservation measures to halt the decline.

Ruddy-headed geese are resident breeders on the Falkland Islands. The Falklands population is stable and represents the majority of the world's poplulation (Woods 1998). Although they were considered a pest species to be shot until 1985 they are now fully protected within the Falkland Islands.

Sources include: Falkland Islands State of the Environment Report 2008 Otley H, Munro G, Clausen A, Ingham B. A Field Guide to the Wildlife of The Falkland Islands and South Georgia - Ian J Strange, Guide to Birds of the Falkland Islands- Robin W. Woods.

Photographic credits: Robert Maddocks, Ali Marsh

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