How to identify the Snow Goose

To correctly identify the Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

64-79 cm (25-31 in)

Wingspan

135-165 cm (53-65 in)

Weight

2.0-3.2 kg (4.4-7.1 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   The Snow Goose exhibits two distinct color morphs: the white morph and the blue morph. The white morph is almost entirely white, with black primary flight feathers, which are visible in flight. The blue morph has a dark grayish-brown body, often with a white head and neck, and black primary flight feathers. Both morphs have a distinctive 'grinning patch' on the bill, which is a black line along the tomia (cutting edges) of the bill.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Pinkish-red, relatively short and stout, with a black 'grinning patch' on the sides.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Pinkish-red.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The black primary flight feathers on both morphs, the pinkish-red bill and legs, and the 'grinning patch' on the bill are key distinguishing features. The two color morphs are also highly distinctive.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juvenile white morphs are dull grayish-white with dusky primary feathers and a dusky bill and legs. Juvenile blue morphs are uniformly dark grayish-brown with a dusky bill and legs, lacking the white head and neck of adult blue morphs. They gradually acquire adult plumage over their first year.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes beyond the maturation of juveniles into adults.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males (ganders) and females (geese) are generally similar in plumage, though ganders tend to be slightly larger than geese.

Key field marks

• Plumage Color. Look for either all-white body with black wingtips (white morph) or a dark gray-brown body with a white head and neck (blue morph). Black wingtips are always present on both morphs.
• Bill and Legs. Note the pinkish-red bill and legs. The bill will have a distinct black 'grinning patch' along the sides.
• Size. Snow Geese are medium to large geese, larger than Ross's Geese but generally smaller than Canada Geese.
• Vocalization. Listen for their characteristic high-pitched, nasal 'kow-wok' calls, especially when in flight or large flocks.
• Flocking Behavior. They are almost always seen in large, often immense, flocks, particularly during migration and winter.

Explore the Snow Goose