A generally scarce, medium-sized goose with rich dark brown plumage, a white blaze on the forehead, and a pink bill. It resembles the Greater White-fronted Goose but is slightly smaller and shorter-necked, with a noticeably short, stubby bill, a thin yellow eye-ring, and a broader white area on the forehead. It is often found as single birds or small parties within flocks of other geese. This species breeds in scrubby tundra and spends the winter in farmland, saltmarsh, and drier ground near wetlands. Its calls are high, squeaky notes, often given in flight.