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 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

Unlike the Vegetable Lamb, the barnacle goose myth was based on a real animal, a European goose species, Branta leucopsis.

From Scientific American • Sep. 7, 2013

These geese are much larger than both the eider and the barnacle goose, and appear to be sufficiently strong to defend themselves against the fox.

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