Snow Goose
Least ConcernAnser caerulescens
Visual Identification
Snow Goose
Appearance
Snow Geese exhibit two distinct color morphs: white and blue. The white morph has a snow-white body with black wingtips, while the blue morph has a bluish-gray body with a white head. Both morphs have pink bills with a black 'grinning patch' and pink legs.
Juveniles of both morphs are gray-brown, gradually acquiring adult plumage over their first year. There is no significant difference between males and females in appearance, though males are slightly larger on average.
Size
Length
69cm to 84cm
Wingspan
132cm to 165cm
Weight
2.05kg to 3.18kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Blue
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Pink
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Snow Geese breed in the high Arctic tundra of North America and eastern Siberia. During migration, they utilize a wide range of wetland habitats along their flyways. In winter, they are found in coastal marshes, wet grasslands, and agricultural fields.
In North America, large concentrations can be seen along the Atlantic coast, in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, and in California's Central Valley. They are also common visitors to parts of the central United States and southern Canada during migration.
Wild Snow Geese are rare in the United Kingdom, and less than a hundred are usually recorded each winter. They may turn up at Islay off Scotland’s west coast and the Loch of Strathberg in the northeast. There is, however, a small self-sustaining population in Argyll, with most wild birds escapees from captivity.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Arctic, Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Snow Geese are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials. In their Arctic breeding grounds, they consume grasses, sedges, and small plants. They feed on various parts of the plants, including their leaves, roots, and stems. They may supplement their diet with berries when available.
During migration and winter, they forage in agricultural fields, eating leftover grains and crops like soybeans, corn, wheat and rice, which provide an easy, energy-rich food source. They also eat roots and tubers by digging in wet soil with their bills.
Behaviour
Snow Geese are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They are known for their distinctive 'V' formation flight patterns and their habit of foraging in large groups, often in agricultural fields.
During the breeding season, they become territorial and form monogamous pairs.
Vocalisation
Snow Geese are known for their loud, dog-like, honking nasal calls, often described as a high-pitched 'whouk' or 'kowk'. During flight, flocks produce a cacophony of honking sounds.
On breeding grounds, pairs engage in quieter, guttural vocalizations. The calls are essential for communication within large flocks and between family members.
Nesting & Breeding
Snow Geese form lifelong pair bonds on wintering grounds and migrate to Arctic breeding sites together. They typically breed in colonies on tundra near ponds or streams.
They typically lay their eggs between late May and early June, right around the time when the snow begins to melt. However, arrival and laying dates vary from year to year, depending on weather conditions. Females construct nests on slightly elevated ground, lining them with down feathers.
The female lays 2-6 eggs, which are creamy white in color. Incubation lasts about 23-25 days, with only the female incubating while the male stands guard nearby.
Goslings are precocial, able to walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching. They fledge at about 6-7 weeks of age, remaining with their parents throughout the first year.
Lifespan
The Snow Goose typically lives for 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 27.5 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While Snow Geese are currently listed as Least Concern due to their large population, they face threats from habitat loss and climate change. Arctic breeding grounds are particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland habitats along migration routes and wintering areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks in wetlands and agricultural fields during migration
- Listen for their distinctive high-pitched, nasal honking calls
- Observe their feeding behavior in shallow water or on land
- In North America, watch for them in coastal areas and inland wetlands during winter
- The Snow Goose could be mistaken for the Emperor Goose in the far north of Alaska or the more widespread Ross’s Goose in Alaska, Canada, and the Lower 48.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Blue Goose
Family:
AnatidaePredators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, wolves, and large birds of prey such as Snowy Owls and Golden Eagles. Eggs and goslings are particularly vulnerable to gulls and jaegers.
Did You Know?
- Snow Geese can digest plant parts that many other animals cannot, thanks to their specialized digestive systems.
- Their population has increased dramatically in the past 50 years, leading to concerns about overgrazing in some areas.
- Snow Geese often return to the same nesting sites year after year, with offspring nesting close to their parents.
- Their incredible migration journey can span over 3,000 miles one way.
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FAQs
Do Snow Geese fly with Canada Geese?
Birdwatchers may spot the odd Snow Goose mixed in with Canada Geese, but the two do not usually migrate together.
Is Snow Goose the same as a swan?
The Snow Goose may resemble a Swan, but they are completely different birds. Swans are from the Cygnus genus, while Snow Geese are members of the Anser genus. The two differ most obviously in size, with Swans being much larger.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Anser caerulescens. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22679896A157448765.
View source - 4
report, 2020: Partners in Flight; Wetlands International
- 3
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source