barnacle goose

American  

noun

1. a wild goose, Branta leucopsis, of northern Europe and Greenland.

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barnacle goose British  

noun

1. a N European goose, Branta leucopsis , that has a black-and-white head and body and grey wings

2. a former name for brent goose

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Etymology

Origin of barnacle goose

1760–70; earlier barnacle, Middle English bernacle; compare Middle French bernacle, New Latin bernacula, all derivative of earlier Middle English bernak, bernekke, Anglo-Latin bernaca, Old French bernaque, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Studies are being undertaken to try to establish the age of the dead birds in order to clarify the long-term impact on the barnacle goose colony.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2022

A barnacle goose believed to be the oldest on record has been spotted on the Solway Firth.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2014

The Vegetable Lamb myth gave rise to an equally fantastical creature, the barnacle goose.

From Scientific American • Sep. 7, 2013

The myth of the barnacle goose started off describing these marsh birds as growing on trees, often in pods, dropping into the water below when ripe.

From Scientific American • Sep. 7, 2013

The barnacle goose finds its food more on land and inland lakes than in the sea.

From The Voyage of the Vega round Asia and Europe, Volume I and Volume II by Leslie, Alexander, fl. 1879-1882