Behaviour This species is fully migratory, travelling in stages via several stop-over sites between separate breeding and wintering grounds (Madge and Burn 1988, del Hoyo et al. 1992). The species breeds from late-May or early-June in single pairs or loose groups, with moulting non-breeders and failed breeders gathering on areas of open water separate from the major breeding congregations (del Hoyo et al. 1992, Kear 2005). After breeding the species gathers in small flocks (less than 30 individuals) to undergo a post-breeding moult period near the breeding grounds where it becomes flightless for c.25 days (Madge and Burn 1988, Scott and Rose 1996). After this moulting period flocks gather to migrate south to winter quarters, leaving the breeding areas from late-August through September and arriving late in the autumn (Madge and Burn 1988). Outside of the breeding season the species is highly gregarious (large flocks of up to 30,000 individuals are recorded in Europe), although it is more commonly observed in small loose groups due to the patchiness of its favoured habitat (Madge and Burn 1988, Kear 2005). The species usually forages within 20 km of rooting sites, although the optimum distance for foraging areas may be less than this (less than 4 km in Scotland, UK) (Vickery and Gill 1999, Kear 2005).
Habitat Breeding The species breeds in open, low-lying, shrubby tundra on the coast and inland, in close proximity to marshes, lakes, pools, rivers, and willow- and shrub-lined ponds and streams (Johnsgard 1978, del Hoyo et al. 1992, Snow and Perrins 1998). It requires dry slopes, banks, mounds, hummocks or patches of sand or clay for nesting sites, especially those commanding good views of the surrounding area (Snow and Perrins 1998). Non-breeding The species winters in open country on steppe and agricultural land (e.g. improved grassland, stubble fields and wet meadows), or in brackish and freshwater marshy habitats (such as upland bogs, peatlands and floodlands) (Johnsgard 1978, Madge and Burn 1988, del Hoyo et al. 1992, Scott and Rose 1996, Kear 2005). It may also roost on tidal marshes, in sheltered bays or in estuaries and frequents inland lakes and reservoirs in North America (Kear 2005).
Diet The species is herbivorous, its diet consisting of the roots, leaves, stems, seeds and fruits of terrestrial plants such as herbs, grasses and sedges, as well as agricultural grain (e.g. corn, oats, wheat, rice and barley), potatoes and sprouting cereals (especially in the winter) (Johnsgard 1978, del Hoyo et al. 1992).
Breeding site The nest is a shallow construction of plant matter on the ground amongst vegetation such as grass or dwarf scrub heath, often on raised hummocks or slopes to reduce the risk of flooding and provide a vantage point of the surrounding area (del Hoyo et al. 1992, Kear 2005).

Conservation Actions Underway
EU Birds Directive Annex I, II and III. CMS Appendix II. The following information refers to the species's European range only: Race flavirostris is amongst least numerous subpopulation, but it is increasing, with active protection on its wintering grounds in the U.K. since 1982/1983 (although hunting was only finally banned completely in 2006) (Ely et al. 2020). In 2012 an International Species Action Plan for A. a. flavirostris was published (Stroud et al. 2012).

Conservation Actions Proposed
The following information refers to the species's European range only: The protection of winter roost sites is extremely important for the overall conservation of the species (Ely et al. 2020). Thus key areas should be protected from habitat alteration and disturbance. Strict legislation should be developed and enforced with regards to oil exploration and transportation and the promotion of less intensive farming methods undertaken. Research and monitoring programmes should be maintained and developed to provide data and inform conservation of the species (Stroud et al. 2012).