Introduction
The Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) is a striking black-and-white migratory bird that breeds in the Arctic and winters in parts of Europe. While today it is well understood scientifically, the barnacle goose has a rich and intriguing history entwined with myth, medieval beliefs, and natural history. For centuries, it was linked to an unusual legend: the barnacle goose was believed to be born not from eggs but from barnacles attached to driftwood and floating seaweed, a myth that shaped religious, cultural, and natural historical thought in Europe for centuries.
This article explores the origins, historical beliefs, and modern understanding of the barnacle goose, revealing how myth and nature intertwined in medieval Europe.
The Natural History of the Barnacle Goose
The barnacle goose is a medium-sized migratory waterfowl species found primarily in northern Europe and the Arctic. It nests in the far north on islands in the Arctic Ocean, particularly in Svalbard and Greenland. During the winter months, barnacle geese migrate southwards to spend the season in the British Isles, the Netherlands, Germany, and parts of western Europe.
Their distinctive plumage features a black head, neck, and chest, with a contrasting white face and belly, and barred black and white patterns on their flanks and wings. The species primarily feeds on grasses and aquatic vegetation. shutdown123