Balaji Krishnan Photography
BKP0348-Bar-headed Goose (Anser Indicus)
The Bar-headed Goose or Bar-headed Geese is Highest migratory bird in the globe, during the winter migration from Southern Asia to Central Asia.
Most birds reach altitudes of 5,000–6,000m during the migration, but this beautiful bird is one of the world's highest-flying birds, having been heard flying across Mount Makalu, the Fifth highest mountain on Earth at 8,481m (27,825 ft) and apparently seen over Mount Everest 8,848m (29,029 ft) with winds that blow at speeds of more than 322 kph (200 mph) and temperatures low enough to freeze exposed flesh instantly. At this height, oxygen levels drop by one-third; even kerosene cannot burn there and helicopters cannot fly at that altitude.
Their powerful and constant flight helps generate body heat, which is retained by their down feathers. Such heat helps keep ice from building up on their wings when flying over mountains.
These geese also have a special type of hemoglobin that absorbs oxygen quicker than other birds; they can also extract more oxygen from each breath than other birds can.
These geese are able to migrate more than 1609 km (1,000 miles.) in a single day.
Scientists believe the geese's yearly migration is triggered by an environmental signal that allows them to miss the summer monsoon season and the worst winter storms.
BKP0348-Bar-headed Goose (Anser Indicus)
The Bar-headed Goose or Bar-headed Geese is Highest migratory bird in the globe, during the winter migration from Southern Asia to Central Asia.
Most birds reach altitudes of 5,000–6,000m during the migration, but this beautiful bird is one of the world's highest-flying birds, having been heard flying across Mount Makalu, the Fifth highest mountain on Earth at 8,481m (27,825 ft) and apparently seen over Mount Everest 8,848m (29,029 ft) with winds that blow at speeds of more than 322 kph (200 mph) and temperatures low enough to freeze exposed flesh instantly. At this height, oxygen levels drop by one-third; even kerosene cannot burn there and helicopters cannot fly at that altitude.
Their powerful and constant flight helps generate body heat, which is retained by their down feathers. Such heat helps keep ice from building up on their wings when flying over mountains.
These geese also have a special type of hemoglobin that absorbs oxygen quicker than other birds; they can also extract more oxygen from each breath than other birds can.
These geese are able to migrate more than 1609 km (1,000 miles.) in a single day.
Scientists believe the geese's yearly migration is triggered by an environmental signal that allows them to miss the summer monsoon season and the worst winter storms.