Bar-headed goose

The bar-headed goose is a captivating bird recognized for its remarkable high-altitude migrations across the Himalayas. Breeding in Central Asia and wintering in South Asia, this mid-sized goose is easily identified by the black bars on its head and its pale grey body. In flight, it emits the characteristic honking sounds typical of geese.

During the summer, these geese frequent high-altitude lakes, grazing on short grasses. What’s truly astounding about them is their ability to fly at extreme altitudes, facilitated by unique physiological adaptations that enable them to extract oxygen from the thin, hypoxic air.

Classified under the grey goose genus Anser, the bar-headed goose was previously placed in the monotypic genus Eulabeia. These birds face threats from various predators and diseases, including the H5N1 virus. Despite these challenges, their overall population appears to be increasing.

The migration of the bar-headed goose, particularly its flights over the towering Himalayas, has long fascinated scientists. Research has revealed that these geese possess specialized adaptations in both their anatomy and physiology, allowing them to sustain flight at such high altitudes. Interestingly, this bird might also be the inspiration for the mythical Hamsa in Indian mythology.

Bar-headed geese can be observed in places such as Great Britain and the United States, where some have been kept in captivity or have escaped into the wild. Renowned for their beauty and ease of breeding, these birds are monitored to ensure their populations remain healthy.