DUCKS, GEESE

Snow Goose, Chen caerulescens

Family Anatidae (Ducks, Geese)

Size: 28"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Grasslands, marshes

The Snow Goose forms huge, impressive flocks when it visits Texas during spring and fall migrations between the arctic tundra and southern North America and Mexico, or as it winters here. It has two color forms: the “blue” and the more common “white.” The white form is predominantly white, with black outer wing feathers and a pale yellowish wash to the face during summer. The blue form retains the white head and lower belly but is otherwise dark slate gray or brownish-gray. In both morphs, its bill is pink, thick at the base, and has a black patch where the mandibles meet. The legs of both types are pink. Snow Geese feed mostly on the ground, eating shoots, roots, grains, and insects. The similar Ross’s Goose is smaller and has a shorter bill. The white morph adult is illustrated.