Barnacle Goose

Barnacle geese come from trees that grow over water. These trees produce birds that look like small geese; the young birds hang from their beaks from the trees. When the birds are mature enough, they fall from the trees; any that fall into the water float and are safe, but those that fall on land die. Barnacle geese are not usually found in bestiaries. The concept comes from the Topographia Hibernica by Gerald of Wales, an account of his travels in Ireland where he describes these birds.

Bodleian Digital Library (Digital Bodleian)

Manuscript

Bodleian Library, MS. Bodley 764, folio 58v