A true blue morph Ross’s Goose is very rare, and many are actually hybrid Snow and Ross’s Geese. A blue morph Ross’s Goose will be the same size as the white morph with the same bill color, however the body will be dark in coloration with variable amounts of white and darker colors along with a white head. Adult white morph Ross’s Geese have an all white body, black wingtips, and a pinkish-orange bill with a small or absent “grin patch”. Ross’s Goose (Bill Grossmeyer photo) IdentificationĪlong with Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese also have multiple color morphs. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Snow Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Ross’s Geese, Canada geese, and Cackling Geese. Snow Geese are vegetarians that feed on grasses, shrubs, seeds, berries and more. They winter in select areas of the United States and Central America, often in large flocks. Snow Geese breed in northern North America and migrate through much of North America. A “blue morph” Snow Goose is the same size as the white morph with the same bill color, however the body is dark in coloration with variable amounts of white and darker colors along with a white head. A “grin patch” is a visible space between the upper and lower mandible of the bird seen when the bird’s bill is closed. The adult white morph Snow Goose has an all white body, black wingtips, and a pinkish-orange bill with a black “grin patch”. Snow Geese are majestic birds that come in different color morphs. Snow Gooseīlue morph Snow Goose (Bill Grossmeyer photo) Identification Also look for them flying overhead with other goose species, and keep an eye out for noticeable smaller birds, compared to Canada Geese. Look for Cackling Geese near water, in open or grassy fields, and in mixed flocks. Diet and Foraging BehaviorĬackling Geese feed mostly on plants and plant material such as grasses, sedges, seeds, and berries. and west coast, and they migrate to northern North America to breed. Their migratory route spans the central U.S. and Central America, with some populations near the East and West coasts. The Cackling Goose spends winter in the central U.S. These flocks can be extremely large during migration.Ĭlick here to get more information on how to differentiate Cackling Geese from Canada Geese. They will often flock with Canada Geese, along with other geese species. They have similar color patterns with a black head and neck, white cheek, brown back and sides, black feet and legs, with a white stomach and rump, however they are smaller (about Mallard duck sized) with a stubbier neck, steep forehead, and smaller, more triangular shaped bill. Listen to the Canada Goose Call – Jonathan Jongsma ( CC by 3.0)Ĭackling Goose (front) with Canada Goose (behind) IdentificationĪdult Cackling Geese look very similar to Canada Geese, but with some key identification differences. Look for them flying overhead making the classic goose “honk” and flying in a “V” formation. They can also be found in and near urban ponds. Look for Canada Geese near water, in open or grassy fields often in large flocks. Diet and Foraging Behaviorĭuring spring, Canada Geese feed mostly on grasses, and during the fall and winter, they eat mostly seeds and berries. Once seen as a majestic migratory bird, many Canada Geese have spread to urban environments and can be seen hissing at those that get too close to them or their young. RangeĬommon year-round throughout much of North America, the Canada Goose migrates south in the winter and north throughout the Northern U.S., Canada and Alaska in the summer. It’s worth noting that there are many different subspecies of Canada Geese that can vary slightly in size and appearance. They are larger, have a longer neck, and a longer bill than the closely related Cackling Goose. Adult Canada Geese are large birds with a black head and neck, white cheek, brown back and sides, black feet and legs, with a white stomach and rump.
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