Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Snow Goose
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Anser caerulescens
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How to recognize it
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60–75 cm, like a large duck
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Mostly white plumage, black wing tips
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Pink bill and legs, black ring around the bill
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Also a dark "blue" morph, gray-blue overall
About the species
The snow goose is a familiar-looking goose with a mostly white body, though some individuals are dark instead. In both color forms, the black wing tips and pink bill and feet stand out well.
It is loud, social, and often moves in flocks outside the breeding season. Pairs stay together for life, and it is especially active in winter, when its calls carry easily.
It breeds north of the forest zone in Greenland, Canada, and northeastern Siberia, then winters farther south, mainly in the United States. It feeds on Arctic grasses and sedges, and also takes willow leaves and shoots, mosses, and lichens; in Europe it is only a rare visitor.
Where to find
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Along pond edges, canal banks, and wet lawns — look for Snow Goose in big flocks, calmly grazing on grass or spilled grain.
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On open lawns and field-like edges outside the center — its low honking and steady walking give it away while it feeds on the ground.
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Near winter wastelands and the outskirts by farmland — it stays in broad open spaces and lifts off together with a short burst of wingbeats.
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At shallow shorelines and marshy fringes — it lingers close to water and feeds beside reeds.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Anser caerulescens Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Snow goose Encyclopedia article