Snow Goose
Snow, Blue
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Scientific Name:
Anser caerulescens Aquatic and Terrestrial
Native
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
It is found in two color morphs, white and blue. Initially thought to be two separate species. White phase are totally white, except for black primaries, rusty staining is common. Juveniles can be grayish/brown. Blue phase have a dark grey/blue body and neck, some can have white heads (eagle-heads). Wing coverts are a pale gray. Feet and bill on both phases range from pink to orange. It is larger than its closest similar species, the Ross goose
Sound
In flight, birds call almost constantly with a "la-luk" in nasal, high-pitched variations. Groups, especially when feeding, emit a guttural "glug" or "huh" in quick repetition.
Range and Habitat
Snow geese breed in large colonies across Canada, Alaska, Siberia, and Greenland. In winter, snow geese can be found in most U.S. states depending on weather. It is found mostly in agricultural landscapes during winter, with some using marsh ecosystems.
Behavior
Highly gregarious, mostly found in flocks, sometimes in the millions of birds. This species' diet differs based on habitat, in marsh systems, most foods come from below ground by grubbing for roots. In agricultural fields or pastures, they graze grass shoots, and forage for seeds of rice, corn, soybeans, and weeds.
Population Status
Stable, with a slight decrease recently noted.
Hunting License Information
Basic hunting license or equivalent combination license (Sportsman Paradise). Waterfowl, HIP certification (18 years old and older). Federal Duck Stamp (16 years old and older) signed across the face, if hunting WMA then WMA Access Permit.
More Information