description Emperor Goose Overview
The Emperor Goose is a compact waterfowl species native to the coastal regions of Alaska and far eastern Siberia. It is visually distinguished by its orange legs and a white head marked with distinct black scaling, which contrasts with its slate-gray body. The species relies heavily on intertidal habitats, where it feeds primarily on marine vegetation, and its breeding grounds are concentrated around the Bering Sea.
help Emperor Goose FAQ
How can you identify an adult Emperor Goose?
An adult has a blue-gray, heavily barred body, bright orange legs and a white head marked by dark feather edging. The compact shape and short pinkish bill also distinguish it from the larger Snow Goose.
Where do Emperor Geese breed and spend the winter?
Most breed in coastal western Alaska, especially around the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, with a smaller breeding range in eastern Russia. Many winter along the Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak coast rather than migrating far south.
What do Emperor Geese eat along the coast?
During winter they forage for marine foods such as clams, mussels and algae along ice-free beaches and tidal areas. In the breeding season they also consume grasses, sedges and other vegetation in coastal tundra wetlands.
Why did Emperor Goose numbers decline?
Heavy harvest and other pressures caused a serious decline during the 20th century, prompting Alaska to close fall and winter hunting in 1986. Conservation measures were followed by a substantial recovery, including an Alaska survey count of roughly 98,000 birds in 2015.
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