Photo shows two bar-headed geese flying above a riverside. (Photo from www.51tibettour.com)
Photo shows a newborn bar-headed goose. (Photo from www.51tibettour.com)
The Bar-headed Goose is a goose which breeds in Central Asia including China's Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province in colonies of thousands near mountain lakes.
The Bar-headed Goose is one of the world's highest flying birds, having been seen at up to 10,175 meters. It has a slightly larger wing area for its weight than other geese and it is believed this helps the goose to fly high. Studies have found that they breathe more efficiently under low oxygen conditions and are able to reduce heat loss.
The bird is pale grey and is easily distinguished from any of the other grey geese of the genus Anser by the black bars on its head.
