Ross's Goose (Anser rossii)

order Anseriformes: ducks, geese & swans
family Anatidae: ducks, geese & swans

Ross's Goose #34, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #33, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #32, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #31, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #30, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #29, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #28, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #27, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #26, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #25, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #24, Colusa County California  05 November 2021

Ross's Goose #18, Colusa County California  25 November 2019

Ross's Goose #16, Colusa County California  25 November 2019

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 22 May 2025
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