Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
The Snow Goose, known for its striking white plumage and contrasting black wingtips, is a migratory bird native to North America. It breeds in the northern regions of Canada and spends its winters in the southern United States and Mexico.
| 🇫🇷 | Oie des neiges |
| 🇩🇪 | Schneegans |
| 🇲🇽 | Ánsar nival |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
How to Identify
The Snow Goose is predominantly white, with distinctive black wingtips on the lower part of its wings. There exists a dark morph, which is mostly black with only the head being white. Some individuals may exhibit a rusty-stained head, a result of feeding in mineral-rich soils. The bill is pink, featuring black cutting edges.
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Characteristics
| Length | 64-79cm |
| Weight | 3.2-4.5kg |
| Wingspan | 135-165cm |
| Clutch Size | 2-6 eggs |
| Incubation | 23-25 days |
| Fledging | 42-50 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 2-4 years |
Resources
Where and When to Spot
I have been observing Snow Geese for some time. They are typically not found in the Montreal area, except during their migratory passage. Even then, sightings are infrequent. The accompanying photographs were taken at a migration gathering site in Victoriaville in November.