It wouldn't be sensible to identify a Pink-footed Goose by its pink feet since Greylags also have pink legs and juvenile Pink-feet have dull orange legs. Instead you should notice that it has a relatively short neck, small head and stubby bill with pink and black markings. The head and neck are so dark they look almost black from a distance, contrasting with a pale chest which looks pinkish-buff - a pink chested goose perhaps. In flight they show a pale grey forewing which eliminates all grey geese except Greylags but the dark head and neck then confirms the identification.

Winters on freshwater and salt marshes; also stubble and crop fields.

In eastern England, best seen around the north Norfolk coast and in the Wash. Birds move inland during the day to feed on arable fields, often offering excellent views. Elsewhere large numbers can be seen in the Martin Mere area (Lancashire), as well as in southern and eastern Scotland.

Southern Scotland is the best place in Europe to see these birds in winter, especially around the Solway Firth and the Firth of Forth.

©BirdGuides 1999