barnacle goose

noun

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

barnacle goose

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of barnacle goose¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of barnacle goose¹

C13 bernekke , related to Late Latin bernaca , from the belief that the goose developed from a shellfish; ultimate origin obscure

Example Sentences

“We are quite poor at remembering how things were 20, 30 years ago, unless we have some notes,” he says, as barnacle geese bark in flight above him.

From Science Magazine

A report found that thousands of migratory barnacle geese have been killed since 2012 with the virus a continuing problem for wild birds.

From BBC

They capture moments of high drama, such as orcas hunting seals off the coast of Scotland and white-tailed eagles chasing a flock of barnacle geese.

From BBC

Bird species such as barnacle geese, griffon vultures, great white egrets and Dalmatian pelicans are also recovering well.

From BBC

I looked up, and there they were: an enormous flock of barnacle geese migrating in a southerly direction.

From New York Times