Ross's Goose

Ross's Goose is a small, compact white goose that closely resembles a miniature Snow Goose, with the same white body and black wingtips but a notably shorter, stubbier bill and a more rounded head. It lacks the prominent dark 'grinning patch' along the bill edge that Snow Geese show, and its overall proportions are daintier throughout.

Breeding in the central Canadian Arctic and wintering mainly in California and other parts of the southern United States, Ross's Goose often mixes with the far more numerous Snow Goose in large wintering flocks, requiring careful comparison to pick out.

Key field marks

• Small size, short neck, and rounded head
• Short, stubby, mostly featherless-based bill lacking an obvious dark grinning patch
• White body with black wingtips, essentially the same pattern as Snow Goose but on a smaller frame

Similar species

The Snow Goose is larger and bulkier with a longer bill that shows a prominent dark grinning patch along the edge; when the two species occur together, direct size comparison and bill shape are the most reliable distinguishing features. Hybrids between the two species also occur and can show intermediate features.

Ross's Goose breeds in dense colonies on Arctic tundra in the central Canadian Arctic, notably around the Queen Maud Gulf region, nesting on the ground near wetlands. It winters mainly in California's Central Valley and other parts of the southwestern and south-central United States and northern Mexico, typically in flocks that include Snow Geese.

Behavior

Gregarious like other white geese, forming dense breeding colonies and large mixed wintering flocks; behavior closely parallels that of the Snow Goose.

Voice

Gives a higher-pitched, weaker call than the Snow Goose, though the two can be difficult to distinguish by ear in mixed flocks.

Feeding

Grasses, sedges, grains, and other plant material, grazed in fields and wetlands, similar to Snow Goose foraging habits.

Nesting

Nests in dense colonies on Arctic tundra; clutches typically hold 3-5 eggs.