Field identification tips: The Ross's Goose (Anser rossii) can be difficult to distinguish from the very similar Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) because the differences can be hard to see at a distance. A. rossii is slightly smaller with a stubbier neck and bill, and the bill lacks the black 'grinning patch' of A. caerulescens. Both A. rossii and A. caerulescens have a rare 'blue' color morph with darker body contour and wing covert feathers.
Typical range: This bird breeds in Canada's coastal arctic, migrating through the Great Plains and wintering in wetlands of the Lower 48 and Mexico.
Habitat: A. caerulescens prefers open habitats like wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
all photographs Copyright © Douglas Herr
last updated 28 November 2024