This species breeds in low-lying bogs, scrub-covered tundra and taiga-forest edges close to wetlands, up to 700 m Asl (Kear 2005). It can also be found on the slopes by the lower parts of mountain streams, on mountain foothills, mountain lakes and on alpine precipices, often in thawing boggy areas or on stone fields (Cramp and Simmons 1977, Johnsgard 1978). It often nests on snow-free patches available early in the breeding season (such as rocky outcrops or prominent hummocks) hidden amongst vegetation or in boggy hollows (Madsen 1996, Kear 2005), usually in close proximity to open water or marshy areas (Kear 2005). The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with grass, moss and down and frequently the same site is used in subsequent seasons. Clutch size is normally four to six (Carboneras and Kirwan 2014). This species is herbivorous, feeding on grasses, roots, stems, leaves, fruits and the green parts of aquatic and terrestrial plants. During the winter the species supplements its diet with winter agricultural grains. This species is fully migratory (Kear 2005). The species departs from its breeding grounds in northern Scandinavia and arctic Russia in late August to early September and travels to wintering grounds in south-east Europe and the Middle East (Alerstam 1990, Snow and Perrins 1998). Small wintering populations, originating from the reinforcement of the breeding population in Sweden, are now established in the Netherlands and Germany (Hornman et al. 2012, Kruckenberg and Krüger 2013). The return passage to the breeding grounds begins in February, with the species arriving from early May (Snow and Perrins 1998) to late June (Madsen 1996).

Although the generation length for both EU and Europe regional assessments were calculated using the same methodology, new information arriving after the EU assessments were undertaken gave rise to an update in the generation lengths. This new information was then used for the Europe level assessments giving rise to a difference between the generation lengths used for the EU and Europe regions.

In Europe, this species breeds primarily in Russia, and also notably in Norway and Sweden. 

In winter, it occurs almost entirely in Azerbaijan, with small numbers spread out mainly across eastern and southeastern Europe.

Conservation Actions Underway
CMS Appendix I and II. EU Birds Directive Annex I. Bern Convention Appendix II. It is protected by law in all key range states. Satellite telemetry studies have improved knowledge of its ecology and the key threats (Aarvak et al.1997, Tolvanen et al. 1999). Satellite tracking was also carried out as part of a recent European LIFE project, which also enabled the preparation of National Action Plans for Norway, Finland and Estonia, habitat management and restoration in Estonia and Hungary and awareness campaigns, especially targeting hunters and farmers (Tonlaven et al. 2009).  A European Action Plan was published in 1996 (Madsen 1996) and an updated International Single Species Action Plan for the western Palearctic population was published in 2008 (Jones et al. 2008). Several captive breeding populations exist (AEWA). A restocking programme in Sweden was ongoing until 2000, when concerns were raised regarding the presence of Great White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) mtDNA in the released captive bred birds (Ruokonen et al. 2007, Marchant and Musgrove 2011). At least 3-7% of birds released in Sweden until that time were estimated to be carrying DNA from Greater White-fronted Goose. Releases in Sweden of birds from a stock originating from Russia resumed in 2010 (Naturvårdsverket 2011).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Reduce illegal hunting pressure in key wintering and staging areas. Locate, monitor and protect key areas. Continue satellite tracking and other research. Prevent habitat loss and manage habitats in staging and wintering areas. Promote international and national legal protection and develop captive breeding programmes. Promote public awareness.