Common Name : Bar-headed Goose
Scientific Name : Anser indicus
Bar-headed geese are hardy birds. Every spring large flocks of bar-headed geese fly from India through the Himalayan range, above Mount Everest, on their way to their nesting grounds in Tibet. They are capable of flying through the passes of the highest mountains at heights of 3658 to 4267 m (12,000 to 14,000 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. These geese have special type of hemoglobin that absorbs oxygen quicker than other birds. They can also extract more oxygen from each breath than other birds can.
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 are able to migrate more than 1609 km (1,000 mi.) 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.
These geese rely on flapping their wings, not on gliding, and are able to fly over 80 kph (50 mph) without wind to assist them. In fact, they are so strong that they are able to fly in crosswinds without being blown off course.
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