PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) — A species of goose that's not usually seen in the United States has made its way to Rhode Island. 12 News reached out to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) after a viewer sent in a photo taken in Portsmouth of the goose in question. ALSO READ: RI family donates 67 acres to create new wildlife refuge "Hundreds of birders have flocked to Aquidneck Island to catch a glimpse of this rare bird since it was first discovered last Saturday," said DEM spokesperson Evan LaCross. The DEM identified the bird as a tundra bean-goose, which is a species that breeds in Norway, Svalbard and Russia. The DEM said two different subspecies usually winter in Eastern China and Japan and Western and Central Europe respectively. "It is an extremely rare vagrant to North America," LaCross noted. While it is unusual to spot the bird in Rhode Island, the DEM is not concerned for its well-being. "Tundra Bean-Geese fill a similar ecological niche as Canada Geese in their native range and are well suited for cold environments," LaCross explained. "Vagrancy in birds is a common phenomenon, and this bird arrived here by natural means." If you're on Aquidneck Island, keep your eyes peeled for this unique waterfowl that is drawing people's attention. "This is a very exciting occurrence," LaCross said. "For birders and nature enthusiasts alike while it is present in Rhode Island." The tundra-bean goose in Portsmouth (Courtesy: Marcie Martin) Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good News SIGN UP NOW