Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) Flying – Gujarat, India | Bird Photography

Description

Experience the beauty and power of one of Asia’s remarkable migratory waterfowl in this original Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) flying photograph, captured by wildlife photographer Amarjeetsinh Jhala.

The Bar-headed Goose is a distinctive high-altitude migratory goose recognized by the two dark bars across the back of its white head. It breeds in Central Asia and migrates south during winter, with India being an important part of its wintering range. In Gujarat, the species is recorded as a winter visitor and can be found around suitable wetlands and agricultural landscapes.

This photograph captures the Bar-headed Goose in flight, highlighting its powerful wings, streamlined body and characteristic pale plumage. Flight photographs of migratory geese are particularly valuable for wildlife collections because they document both the species and its seasonal movement across the Indian subcontinent.

Bar-headed Geese are closely associated with wetland habitats but may also use surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas. Their diet is largely plant-based, including grasses, shoots, grains, seeds and other vegetation. At sites such as Thol, the species has been recorded as a migratory waterbird feeding on green shoots of winter crops.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Bar-headed Goose is its extraordinary migration across the Himalayas. The species is famous for undertaking high-altitude migrations between its breeding and wintering areas. Research on tracked birds has also documented their use of wetlands and river floodplains during the winter period.

According to the State of India’s Birds 2025, the Bar-headed Goose is classified as Moderate Priority in India, with a global conservation status of Least Concern. The assessment lists it as a winter migrant and localized summer migrant, with a wetland specialization, and records a current annual decline. The species is protected under Schedule II of India’s Wildlife Protection Act.

Product Details

• Common Name: Bar-headed Goose
• Scientific Name: Anser indicus
• Family: Anatidae
• Bird Type: Goose / Waterfowl
• Behavior: Flying / In Flight
• Location: Gujarat, India
• Migratory Status: Winter Migrant & Localized Summer Migrant
• Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, grasslands and agricultural landscapes
• Diet: Grasses, shoots, grains, seeds, roots and other plant material
• Global Conservation Status: Least Concern
• India Conservation Priority: Moderate Priority
• Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule II
• Photographer: Amarjeetsinh Jhala

Photography Licensing

This Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) photograph is available for licensing for different applications.

Personal Use: Suitable for private collections, home décor and personal projects.

Commercial Use: Suitable for advertising, websites, digital marketing, promotional material and other commercial applications.

Printing & Publication: Suitable for books, magazines, calendars, field guides, printed publications, exhibitions and other professional publishing requirements.