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Snow Goose

Chen caerulescens ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Snow Goose Photo

A medium-sized goose that breeds on the arctic tundra, the Snow Goose travels south in very large, high-flying, noisy flocks. The swirling white of a descending flock suggests snow, but among the white birds are darker individuals. Until recently, the Blue Geese, as the dark birds were called, were considered a separate species. They are now recognized as merely a dark form (or "morph") of the Snow Goose.

Read Cornell Lab of Ornithology's blog, Round Robin

Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized goose.
  • Black patch on bill edges, the "grinning patch" or "smile."
  • Two color forms.
  • White morph: White all over, except for black primaries.
  • Blue morph: White head and front of neck, body dark gray-brown.
  • Complete range of intermediate forms occur.

Immature Description

White morph: Gray above, darker on head and neck. White below. Legs, feet, and bill gray, turning pink. Blue morph: Entirely dark gray-brown. Belly paler to white. White under tail. Wing linings pale gray, contrast with dark body and black primaries in flight.

Range Map Help

Snow Goose Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Ross's Goose smaller, has much smaller triangular bill without grin patch, has warty green base to bill, and a straight, not curved base of bill on side of face.