In Iran, the goose is a symbol of both the changing seasons and the delicate health of the country’s vast wetlands. From the Siberian-born Lesser White-fronted Goose to the common Greylag, these birds are at the heart of Iran’s winter wildlife spectacle.

The Species: From Common to Critically Endangered

Iran serves as one of the most important wintering grounds for geese along the West Siberian-Caspian-Nile Flyway.

• Greylag Goose (Anser anser): The most common wild goose in Iran, known for its large size and loud cackling. It is a staple of northern Iranian wetlands.

• Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus): A globally threatened species. Iran is historically one of its primary wintering sanctuaries, though numbers have declined sharply, making 2025 observations critical for conservationists.

• Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons): Frequently seen in mixed flocks with Greylags in the northern plains.

• Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis): A rare but stunningly beautiful visitor with distinctive red and black plumage, occasionally spotted in Azerbaijan and Gilan provinces.

Best Birdwatching Locations for Geese

For the best sightings in 2025, birdwatchers should head to these key RAMSAR-listed wetlands:

• Miankaleh Peninsula (Mazandaran): A biodiversity hotspot where thousands of geese congregate near the Caspian Sea.
• Anzali Wetland (Gilan): Famous for its shallow waters and reeds, providing the perfect grazing ground for Greylag flocks.
• Lake Kani Barazan (West Azerbaijan): Known as the “First Bird City of Iran,” this is a premier spot for observing rare migratory geese.
• Gomishan Lagoon (Golestan): A vital stopover for birds entering Iran from the north across the Turkmenistan border.