British Waterfowl Association

Snow Goose

Group of Snow Geese
Snow Geese - Pinola Conservancy

There are two subspecies of Snow Geese, the Lesser A. c. caerulescens and Greater A. c. atlanticus. Both subspecies occur in white and blue phases (or morphs), the latter of which has become highly sought after in captivity. In the wild this phase is common in the former subspecies, but extremely rare in the latter.

Small flock of Snow Geese (blue phase)
Blue phase Snow Geese — Morag Jones

Anser caerulescens

This is one of the most populous goose species in the world. They nest across the northern arctic, wintering across southern North America. Snow Geese occupy the Pacific, Central and Atlantic flyways in North America. They forage in empty pastures and grain fields over the winter, migrating back to the arctic in March and April each year to breed. Snow Geese can be identified by their characteristic white plumage and black primaries. The primaries are highly visible during flight, and quite subtle when on the ground.  Juveniles are slightly smaller than adults, and show significant grey in the plumage.

Wild Snow Geese — Clayton Botkin
Blue phase Snow Goose — Pinola Conservancy

Ring Size

16-18mm

This size is only a guide. Please read more about ringing here.

Snow Geese breed readily in captivity and are quite numerous. They lay a clutch of 4–6 eggs, incubating for 24 days. Both male and female would normally raise the young together, as in all goose species.

FURTHER READING

Ottenburghs, J., van Hooft, P., van Wieren, S.E. et al. 2006. Hybridization in geese: a review.