Ross's goose is a white goose with black wingtips and a relatively short neck. It is the smallest of the three white geese that breed in North America. It is similar in appearance to a white-phase snow goose, but about 40% smaller. Other differences from the snow goose are that the bill is smaller in proportion to its body and lacks "black lips". Like snow geese, Ross's geese may exhibit a darker "blue" phase or morph, though this is extremely rare.
Region
Arctic Canada and western North America
Typical Environment
Breeds colonially on low Arctic tundra near ponds, lakes, and wet sedge meadows of central Canadian Arctic, especially around the Queen Maud Gulf region. During migration it uses the Central and Pacific Flyways, staging in prairie potholes and large wetlands. Winters primarily in California’s Central Valley, along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Louisiana, and into northern Mexico. Uses agricultural fields, marshes, and open wetlands in winter, often in large mixed flocks with snow geese.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Ross's goose is the smallest of North America's white geese and often flocks with the larger snow goose. Its short, triangular pink bill lacks the dark 'grin patch' seen on snow geese, and older birds may show a slightly warty base to the bill. The species has expanded dramatically in recent decades, benefiting from agricultural waste grain on wintering grounds. A rare dark 'blue' morph occurs but is much less common than in snow geese.
Snow goose (left) and Ross Goose (right) for comparison
Ross's goose eggs from the collection of Jacques Perrin de Brichambaut.
Ross's goose colony in Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, rapid wingbeats; travels in dense flocks
Social Behavior
Forms large flocks, frequently mixing with snow geese on migration and wintering grounds. Monogamous pairs nest in loose colonies on the ground near water, with both parents defending the brood. High site fidelity to breeding colonies and traditional wintering areas.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, squeaky honks, sharper and higher than those of snow geese. Flocks produce a continuous chorus of yelps and kek-kek notes, especially during takeoff and flight.
