Tundra Bean Goose Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)

There are no regular wintering grounds for the Tundra Bean Goose within the UK, yet they can be seen in minor numbers especially in colder periods, possibly influenced by the colder European weather. They are sometimes observed at sites such as Gloucestershire, Holkham Marshes in Norfolk, and WWT Slimbridge.

Keep reading to learn more about the intriguing patterns of these winter migrants.

How Long Does A Tundra Bean Goose Live?

The Tundra Bean Goose generally shares a similar lifespan with the Taiga Bean Goose, averaging around 7 years, though some may live longer in very good conditions​.

How Fast Can A Tundra Bean Goose Fly?

During migration, the Tundra Bean Goose usually flies at speeds of around 40 to 60 miles per hour (64 to 97 kilometres per hour). This speed range is common among migratory geese, who are noted for their long-distance journeys and their ability to maintain a steady and efficient flight.

Are Tundra Bean Geese Aggressive?

Though Tundra Bean Geese are typically not seen as overly aggressive, they can indeed display such behaviour, particularly during breeding season. Like many other goose species, they become protective of their nests and young, performing threatening displays and sometimes physically attacking perceived threats.

What Is A Tundra Bean Goose’s Habitat?

The Tundra Bean Goose can live in a range of habitats, from Arctic tundra in the breeding season to different farmlands and wetlands in winter. 

These geese favour tundra areas with sparse vegetation by pools, rivers, and lakes. Their breeding sites are typically at the edges of taiga zones and close to Arctic lakes and rivers, nesting on dry tundra near wet places like wide glacial valleys.

When winter arrives, Tundra Bean Geese migrate to southern areas with gentler weather. Their winter habitats cover open landscapes, marshlands, coastal regions, wetlands, farmlands, and rice paddies. This flexibility allows them to thrive across a wide geographical range from northern Siberia to parts of Europe and East Asia.

How Long Does It Take For A Tundra Bean Goose To Build A Nest?

Nesting for the Tundra Bean Goose involves creating shallow scrapes surrounded by lichens and moss. These nests are typically completed quickly, often within several days to a week, similar to the nest-building habits of the Canada Goose. Both geese species have comparably short nest building durations.

Eggs

Let’s look at when Tundra Bean Geese lay their eggs, how many they lay, what these eggs look like, and how long they take to hatch.

When Do Tundra Bean Geese Lay Eggs?

It is usually around May or June that Tundra Bean Geese begin their breeding season. In this period, they make their nests in the tundra areas of northern Europe and Russia, especially focusing on the Siberian region.

With its wide tundra landscape, Siberia is perfectly suited for breeding because of its remote location and the specific types of vegetation, which are excellent for feeding and nesting.

How Many Eggs Does A Tundra Bean Goose Lay?

Generally, a Tundra Bean Goose will lay four to six eggs in a clutch and nurture one brood each year. These geese maintain family groups until spring arrives again. 

This behaviour is typical of geese, who are known for their tight family ties and consistent breeding cycles across various regions, including the UK.

What Do Tundra Bean Goose Eggs Look Like?

The eggs of the Tundra Bean Goose are characteristically light, spanning hues from cream to straw, and tend to be free of any surface blemishes or markings. This aids in camouflaging them within their natural nesting environment. The eggs are approximately 90mm x 59mm in size.

How Long Do Tundra Bean Goose Eggs Take To Hatch?

It takes approximately 25 to 29 days for Tundra Bean Goose eggs to hatch. During this time, the female goose sits on the eggs to maintain their development, until the young goslings are prepared to hatch.

Chicks

Let’s look at how many chicks a Tundra Bean Goose normally raises, when they open their eyes, and when they take their first flight.

How Many Chicks Does A Tundra Bean Goose Have?

The usual clutch size for Tundra Bean Geese ranges from four to six eggs, which ideally means an equal number of chicks should hatch. However, not all eggs make it to the hatching phase, and some chicks fail to survive their initial vulnerable period, falling prey to predators, disease, or extreme climate conditions.

When Do Tundra Bean Goose Chicks Open Their Eyes?

Similar to the Taiga Bean Goose, the chicks of the Tundra Bean Goose are precocial like many other waterfowl. Being precocial means these chicks open their eyes as soon as they are born, which lets them follow their parents and quickly learn necessary survival skills. As a result, they are fairly developed and mobile shortly after hatching.

When Do Tundra Bean Goose Chicks Fledge?

Chicks of the Tundra Bean Goose generally begin to fly between six and seven weeks post-hatching. This timing closely mirrors that of the Taiga Bean Goose, whose chicks also fledge about 40 days (approximately 6 weeks) after hatching.

SEE ALSO: Tundra Bean Goose Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

Frequently Asked Questions