The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a small-sized goose, measuring about 57 cm in length. It belongs to the Anatidae family, which includes 16 species of geese worldwide, 12 of which have been recorded in Korea. These include the red-breasted goose, brant goose, Canada goose, snow goose, emperor goose, lesser white-fronted goose, barnacle goose, greylag goose, bean goose, greater white-fronted goose, and tundra bean goose. The red-breasted goose is characterized by its distinct reddish-brown coloration on the sides of its breast and neck, along with prominent black and white markings. It is classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making it a globally protected species. This goose breeds in northwestern Siberia and winters along the coasts of the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and Aral Sea. Its habitat includes rivers, reservoirs, farmlands, and grasslands, often seen mingling with other species of geese. In Korea, it is not a regular winter visitor but rather considered a vagrant bird. The first recorded sighting in the country was in October 2012, when a single individual was observed at Ganwol Lake in Cheonsu Bay, Chungcheongnam-do. Since then, one individual was observed in October 2021 in Cheonsu Bay, Seosan City, and another in October 2023. Most recently, in March 2025, a single individual was observed for the first time in Saemangeum, Gunsan City, marking its debut appearance at this location after two years.





This photograph was provided by bird photographer Jo Gil-hwan (aka “Rising Air Current”), who resides in Jeonju City.