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Tracking Data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons)

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By Alaska Science Center January 12, 2026

Available here are tracking data of Greater White-fronted Geese, a species that nests in coastal areas of western and northern Alaska and winters across a broad area of North America along the Pacific and Central flyways. These data were collected to better understand the timing and patterns of migratory movements and seasonal use of habitats in breeding, wintering, and migratory areas of North America.

Return to Ecosystems >> Wildlife Tracking Data Collection

USGS Alaska Science Center scientists collect data from wildlife tracking devices to: determine locations of animals throughout their annual cycles, understand patterns of habitat use, quantify time spent on various behaviors, and identify geographic areas repeatedly used by wildlife that may indicate sites of importance to species and populations. Tracking data from other wildlife species can be found at:  https://doi.org/10.5066/P9VYSWEH

 

VHF Telemetry Data Package

Media
Greater White-fronted Geese radio tracking of VHF transmitters
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Map displaying radio tracking of VHF transmitters on Greater White-fronted Geese.(Credit: David Douglas, USGS. Public domain.)
Tracking data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons)

Suggested Citation

Ely, C.R., Takekawa, J.Y., Casazza, M.L., Douglas, D.C., 2021, Tracking data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) (ver 1.0, April 2021): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9MBQ2GN.

GPS Satellite Data Package and Tracking Maps

Satellite Telemetry Data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) Captured on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2013-2017
Tracking Maps
  • Maps (Animated and Static)

Suggested Citation

Meixell, B.W., 2017, Satellite telemetry data for greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) captured on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska, 2013-2017: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7CV4GX2.

Below are other science products associated with Greater White-fronted Geese.

Spectacled eider male and female flying near the Colville River in 2013.

Waterfowl Research

Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Waterfowl Research

Waterfowl Research

Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
Learn More
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska

Goose Research

The USGS Alaska Science Center has had a focus on addressing science questions related to geese in Alaska for decades. Information on these species is critical because all are important resources for subsistence and sport hunters in the state and outside of Alaska where these birds spend the winter. The large majority of goose populations in Alaska breed on national wildlife refuges (managed by...
By
Alaska Science Center
Goose Research

Goose Research

The USGS Alaska Science Center has had a focus on addressing science questions related to geese in Alaska for decades. Information on these species is critical because all are important resources for subsistence and sport hunters in the state and outside of Alaska where these birds spend the winter. The large majority of goose populations in Alaska breed on national wildlife refuges (managed by...
Learn More

Below are data or web applications associated with Greater White-fronted Goose tracking projects.

USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection

Understanding the short- and long-distance movements of wildlife is critical for a wide variety of ecological research studies and management decisions. Since the mid-1980s, the USGS Alaska Science Center has collected data from wildlife tracking devices to: determine locations of animals throughout their annual cycles, understand patterns of habitat use, quantify time spent on various...
By
Alaska Science Center

Below are multimedia items associated with Greater White-fronted Geese.

Greater White-fronted Goose standing in the grass on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose standing in the grass on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Greater White-fronted Goose standing in the grass on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska, in the Chipp South area.

By
Alaska Science Center
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska, in the Chipp South area.

By
Alaska Science Center

Below are publications associated with Greater White-fronted Goose tracking projects.

Spring temperature, migration chronology, and nutrient allocation to eggs in three species of arctic‐nesting geese: Implications for resilience to climate warming Spring temperature, migration chronology, and nutrient allocation to eggs in three species of arctic‐nesting geese: Implications for resilience to climate warming

The macronutrients that Arctic herbivores invest in their offspring are derived from endogenous reserves of fat and protein (capital) that females build prior to the period of investment or from foods they consume concurrently with investment (income). The relative contribution from each source can be influenced by temporal and environmental constraints on a female's ability to forage on...
Authors
Jerry W. Hupp, David H. Ward, David X. Soto, Keith A. Hobson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Spatial use by wintering greater white-fronted geese relative to a decade of habitat change in California's Central Valley Spatial use by wintering greater white-fronted geese relative to a decade of habitat change in California's Central Valley

We investigated the effect of recent habitat changes in California's Central Valley on wintering Pacific greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) by comparing roost-to-feed distances, distributions, population range sizes, and habitat use during 1987-1990 and 1998-2000. These habitat changes included wetland restoration and agricultural land enhancement due to the 1990
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, John Y. Takekawa, D.L. Orthmeyer, J. P. Fleskes, J.L. Yee, K.L. Kruse

Geographic variation in migratory behavior of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) Geographic variation in migratory behavior of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons)

We studied the migration and winter distribution of adult Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) radio-marked on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) and Bristol Bay Lowlands (BBL) of Alaska from 1987 to 1992. The major autumn staging site for geese from both breeding areas was the Klamath Basin on the California/Oregon border. However, temporal use of this area differed...
Authors
Craig R. Ely, John Y. Takekawa
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Available here are tracking data of Greater White-fronted Geese, a species that nests in coastal areas of western and northern Alaska and winters across a broad area of North America along the Pacific and Central flyways. These data were collected to better understand the timing and patterns of migratory movements and seasonal use of habitats in breeding, wintering, and migratory areas of North America.

Return to Ecosystems >> Wildlife Tracking Data Collection

USGS Alaska Science Center scientists collect data from wildlife tracking devices to: determine locations of animals throughout their annual cycles, understand patterns of habitat use, quantify time spent on various behaviors, and identify geographic areas repeatedly used by wildlife that may indicate sites of importance to species and populations. Tracking data from other wildlife species can be found at:  https://doi.org/10.5066/P9VYSWEH

 

VHF Telemetry Data Package

Media
Greater White-fronted Geese radio tracking of VHF transmitters
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Map displaying radio tracking of VHF transmitters on Greater White-fronted Geese.(Credit: David Douglas, USGS. Public domain.)
Tracking data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons)

Suggested Citation

Ely, C.R., Takekawa, J.Y., Casazza, M.L., Douglas, D.C., 2021, Tracking data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) (ver 1.0, April 2021): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9MBQ2GN.

GPS Satellite Data Package and Tracking Maps

Satellite Telemetry Data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) Captured on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2013-2017
Tracking Maps
  • Maps (Animated and Static)

Suggested Citation

Meixell, B.W., 2017, Satellite telemetry data for greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) captured on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska, 2013-2017: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7CV4GX2.

Below are other science products associated with Greater White-fronted Geese.

Spectacled eider male and female flying near the Colville River in 2013.

Waterfowl Research

Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Waterfowl Research

Waterfowl Research

Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
Learn More
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska

Goose Research

The USGS Alaska Science Center has had a focus on addressing science questions related to geese in Alaska for decades. Information on these species is critical because all are important resources for subsistence and sport hunters in the state and outside of Alaska where these birds spend the winter. The large majority of goose populations in Alaska breed on national wildlife refuges (managed by...
By
Alaska Science Center
Goose Research

Goose Research

The USGS Alaska Science Center has had a focus on addressing science questions related to geese in Alaska for decades. Information on these species is critical because all are important resources for subsistence and sport hunters in the state and outside of Alaska where these birds spend the winter. The large majority of goose populations in Alaska breed on national wildlife refuges (managed by...
Learn More

Below are data or web applications associated with Greater White-fronted Goose tracking projects.

USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection

Understanding the short- and long-distance movements of wildlife is critical for a wide variety of ecological research studies and management decisions. Since the mid-1980s, the USGS Alaska Science Center has collected data from wildlife tracking devices to: determine locations of animals throughout their annual cycles, understand patterns of habitat use, quantify time spent on various...
By
Alaska Science Center

Below are multimedia items associated with Greater White-fronted Geese.

Greater White-fronted Goose standing in the grass on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose standing in the grass on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Greater White-fronted Goose standing in the grass on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose, Colville River Delta, northern Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the Colville River Delta, northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska, in the Chipp South area.

By
Alaska Science Center
Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska

Greater White-fronted Goose on the North Slope of Alaska, in the Chipp South area.

By
Alaska Science Center

Below are publications associated with Greater White-fronted Goose tracking projects.

Spring temperature, migration chronology, and nutrient allocation to eggs in three species of arctic‐nesting geese: Implications for resilience to climate warming Spring temperature, migration chronology, and nutrient allocation to eggs in three species of arctic‐nesting geese: Implications for resilience to climate warming

The macronutrients that Arctic herbivores invest in their offspring are derived from endogenous reserves of fat and protein (capital) that females build prior to the period of investment or from foods they consume concurrently with investment (income). The relative contribution from each source can be influenced by temporal and environmental constraints on a female's ability to forage on...
Authors
Jerry W. Hupp, David H. Ward, David X. Soto, Keith A. Hobson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Spatial use by wintering greater white-fronted geese relative to a decade of habitat change in California's Central Valley Spatial use by wintering greater white-fronted geese relative to a decade of habitat change in California's Central Valley

We investigated the effect of recent habitat changes in California's Central Valley on wintering Pacific greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) by comparing roost-to-feed distances, distributions, population range sizes, and habitat use during 1987-1990 and 1998-2000. These habitat changes included wetland restoration and agricultural land enhancement due to the 1990
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, John Y. Takekawa, D.L. Orthmeyer, J. P. Fleskes, J.L. Yee, K.L. Kruse

Geographic variation in migratory behavior of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) Geographic variation in migratory behavior of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons)

We studied the migration and winter distribution of adult Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) radio-marked on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) and Bristol Bay Lowlands (BBL) of Alaska from 1987 to 1992. The major autumn staging site for geese from both breeding areas was the Klamath Basin on the California/Oregon border. However, temporal use of this area differed...
Authors
Craig R. Ely, John Y. Takekawa
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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