| These geese all have very dark heads and necks, but are easily told apart by their white markings. |
| Barnacle goose A medium sized goose, 58-69cm (23”-27”). This is the black goose you are most likely to see in Wigtown Bay. Wholly black and white plumage with the black on the neck extending down on to the breast and a white face make this an easy goose to identify. Its legs and short beak are black. Barnacle geese are very noisy and like to be together. They seldom go far inland, preferring salt marsh, mud flats and pasture near estuaries – just the conditions they find in Wigtown Bay! |  Barnacle goose |
 Canada goose | Canada goose
Rarely seen in Wigtown Bay though common in many parts of the UK. A large goose, 92-102cms(36"-40"), it has a black head and neck with a broad white throat patch spreading on to its cheeks, a brown body with black legs and beak. Breeds in the UK, common inland, near fresh water, often in public parks. |
Brent goose
Rarely seen in Wigtown Bay. A small goose 56-61cm (22"-24"), its head and neck are all black, except for a white fleck on the side of the neck. The body is dark brown above, with lighter underparts. The legs and beak are black. Seen on coasts and estuaries. |  Brent goose |
