The smallest "grey goose", like White-fronted Goose, with pink bill and orange legs but the white on the adult's forehead extends much further towards the crown. The prominent yellow eye ring is diagnostic. It is not much bigger than a Mallard and is closely related to the larger, more common, White-fronted Goose.

Breeds on marshes and bogs in boreal mountains, generally in willow and birch zones

Breeds in Arctic Eurasia and winters in southern Europe.

Now very rare in Europe and occurs in Britain less than annually

Extremely rare - an adult was at Rutland Water from 10th December 2004 to 9th January 2005