The look-alike dilemma

One of the biggest challenges in the conservation of the species is that during migration, the Lesser White-fronts (Anser erythropus) are mixing with White-fronted Geese (A. albifrons) which is an important quarry species in most countries within the range of the Lesser White-fronts.

Separating the Lesser White-front and the White-front – even with the “clearly distinguishable” adult plumage – is very difficult even for experienced ornithologists.

In a hunting situation, it is practically impossible and therefore the only effective way to protect the Lesser White-fronts from hunting at the few and limited key sites, is to ban hunting of all white-fronted geese in the periods when Lesser White-fronts are present.

The biggest differences between the two species (in adult plumage) are:

the neck of the Lesser is shorter and darker brown
the head of the Lesser is more box shaped and a uniform dark brown
the bill of the Lesser is stubby, almost as long as its height at the base, and intensively pink
the white front blaze of the Lesser reaches higher up to the crown
the Lesser White-front always has a bright yellow eye ring; the ring is however not visible at long distances, and the White-front can also, although rarely, have a yellow eye ring