BIRDS: NONPASSERINES: GEESE, DUCKS, AND MERGANSERS

Snow Goose, Chen caerulescens

Family Anatidae (Geese, Ducks, and Mergansers)

Size: 28"

Season: During spring and fall migration

Habitat: Grasslands, marshes

The snow goose forms huge, impressive flocks when it visits Colorado during spring and fall migrations between the arctic tundra and southern North America and Mexico. 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 thick at the base, pink, and has a black patch where the mandibles meet. The legs of both morphs are pink. Snow geese feed mostly on the ground, consuming shoots, roots, grains, and insects. The similar Ross’s goose is smaller, with a shorter bill. The white morph adult is illustrated.