A medium goose with two color phases: white (typical) and blue (dark gray-brown). Massive migration flocks number tens of thousands.

Also called: Blue Goose

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 55–150 cm (22–60 in); wingspan 100–250 cm
Weight1.5–14 kg
LifespanWild 10–30 years
OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae

§ Encyclopedia

The snow goose is a species of goose native to North America. Both white and dark morphs exist, the latter often known as blue goose. Its name derives from the typically white plumage. The species was previously placed in the genus Chen, but is now typically included in the "gray goose" genus Anser.

Source: Wikipedia — Snow goose Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium goose with a pink bill showing a black 'grin patch'. White morph all white with black wingtips; blue morph has a white head and dark body. Juveniles dusky.

Similar species. Ross's Goose is smaller with a stubbier bill lacking the grin patch; the black grin patch and larger size mark Snow Goose.

Voice. A high, harsh, barking 'whouk' given constantly by flocks — a din from large groups.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic plants, grasses, grain.

Behavior. An arctic-breeding goose that winters in enormous, noisy flocks on farmland and marshes; numbers have exploded, damaging tundra breeding habitat. Occurs in white and dark ('Blue Goose') morphs.

§ Range

Arctic breeders; winters across US, Mexico

§ Habitat

Tundra in summer; agricultural fields, marshes in winter

§ Threats

Excessive population sizes degrading Arctic habitat, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the snow goose is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support harvest seasons designed to control populations. Conserve habitat at staging grounds.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List