
This rare visitor from Greenland is brown overall, with a darker brown head and neck. The wing coverts and tertials are grayish-brown with crisp white edges. A white line often separates the folded wings from the darkly barred flanks. The belly, undertail coverts, and rump are white. This species has a rather short thick neck and stubby bill. The base and tip of the bill are black with an area of pink in between. The legs and feet are pink, giving this bird its name. In flight, the grayish upperside of the wings contrast with the brown back. The tail is brown with obvious white edges. Juvenile: Similar to adult, but lacks barring on flanks. Legs and feet may be orange.
Length: 60 (cm) Wingspan: 135 (cm)
Habitat:
Tundra, pastures, agricultural fields, freshwater marshes.
Behavior:
Nests on cliffs in the Arctic. Forms large feeding flocks in winter.
Feeding:
Feeds on grasses and crops, sometimes causing extensive agricultural damage.
Field Notes
Expanded Life History
Feed Ecology And Diet | Contribute Content |
Nesting Habits | Contribute Content |
Migration Status | Contribute Content |
Conservation Status | Contribute Content |
Local Sites to Spot | Contribute Content |
Abundance Status | Contribute Content |
Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
Adult Female Description | Contribute Content |
ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
Sonogram | Contribute Content |
Courtship | Contribute Content |
Reproductive Characteristics | Contribute Content |
Relationship to Humans | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Color & Pattern | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
Breeding | Contribute Content |
Cool Facts | Contribute Content |
Local Knowledge | Contribute Content |
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