Yes, that’s correct!
The Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) is another fascinating species of goose. It has two distinct color morphs (the white and blue-gray variations), which makes it unique among geese. Here are some details:
🪶 Appearance
- White Morph: Most common form, entirely white with black wingtips and a black “grin” patch around the beak.
- Blue Morph: A darker, blue-gray color with a lighter belly and a more muted “grin” patch.
- Beak and Legs: Both morphs have a pinkish-orange beak and pink legs.
- Size: Around 24–30 inches (61–76 cm) in length, with a wingspan of about 50 inches (127 cm).
🌍 Range & Habitat
- Native Range: North America, primarily in Canada and Alaska for breeding. They migrate to the southern U.S. and Mexico in winter.
- Habitat: Wetlands, estuaries, and agricultural fields, especially during migration.
🧬 Migration
- Snow Geese are known for their long migrations. They travel in large, noisy flocks, often making the sky seem alive with movement.
- They fly in a V-shaped formation and migrate during the fall and spring.
🐣 Breeding
- Nesting: On the ground, usually in Arctic or sub-Arctic regions.
- Clutch Size: 3–6 eggs.
- Behavior: Snow Geese are highly social, often forming large flocks and sometimes mixing with other waterfowl species during migration.
🍃 Diet
- Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, seeds, and other plant material. During migration, they often graze on agricultural crops such as corn and barley.
🔊 Vocalizations
- Their call is a distinctive “honk” or “yank” sound, often heard in flight.
🌱 Fun Fact
The blue morph is much rarer than the white morph. The two morphs are not separate subspecies, but rather color variations within the same species!
Would you like to see a picture of the Snow Goose?