Bean Goose

Description. Very variable race. The lower mandible varies in thick and curved. Males' bill size: length 52-67 (61 av), height 26.4-34.5 (30.3), height of the lower mandible 6-10 (7.8) mm. Scapulars and wing coverts are darker, brown, with a slightly of grey colour. The colour of bill-strip and legs is more often yellow-orange, rare pinkish or reddish. Males' wing length 430-480 (450) mm.
Distribution. Occurs on migration throughout in Kazakhstan. Sometimes wintering in southern Kazakhstan, on Sorbulak lake (34 birds at 6 November-12 December 2004; more tan 100 birds in 2012-2013), on Kapchagay reservoir (December 2002); one bird recorded on Chardara reservoir (18-21 December 2003). Also winters on Issyk-Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan.

Description. The individual variability is little. The lower mandible is less strong and curved than in fabalis. Males' bill size: length 67-90 (76), height 32.6-37.6 (34.8), height of the lower mandible 7-10 (9) mm. Colour similar to fabalis. The colour of bill-strip and legs is always orange. Largest race, males' wing length 465-553 (496) mm.
Distribution. Probably nested on Markakol lake (Southern Altai) in previous years, but not recorded recently. Occasionally occurs during migration. each November to mid-December of last 10-15 years from 1 to 5 thousand birds stay on Kolzhat lake near the China border (but subspecies of these birds is not identified).