Snow Goose

The migratory bird is known for its snow-like color that gets it’s the name. There are usually two color morphs of the species and the birds belonging to different morphs often crossbreed with each other. The otherwise carnivorous bird sometimes consumes larvae of flies during its initial days post-hatching.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Anser
Scientific Name	Anser caerulescens

Quick Information

Description	Size: 27-33 in (68.58-83.82 cm) Weight:  88.18-158.73 oz ( 2.5-4.5 kg) Wingspan: Around 54 in (4.5 ft) Color:  Two morphs are visible, one is white and the other is blue. Both morphs are named after their plumage color
Distribution	Canada, Mexico, the United States, and Greenland,
Habitat	Wet grasslands, coastal marshes, fields, bays, and tundra
Subspecies	1. c. caerulescens or lesser snow goose 2. c. atlanticus or greater snow goose
Sounds & Communication	Honk like one-syllable noise, a throaty voice when families communicate with each other, shrill sounds when in flight
Lifespan	Around 15 years
Diet	Shrubs, grasses, willows, seeds, roots, stems, fruits, and fly larvae
Adaptations	Their feather are indicators of the weather and when they become cool, the birds start migrating
Predators	Wolves, foxes, golden and bald eagles, and polar bears
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Behavior

• While migrating to the south for the winter season, the entire flock makes a shape of v in the sky.
• Their roosting time is during the night being afloat.
• They have the capacity to sleep while swimming.

Mating and Reproduction

Post winter, snow geese return to the north and adult ones look for mates. They try to find their counterparts similar to their parents’ coloration, although this is not the case always. Nesting is typically observed at the end of May. Females lay 2-6 eggs followed by an incubation period of 22-25 days.

Life-cycle

Hatchlings are usually covered with down and their eyes are open. They become able to eat and swim without any help within 24 hours of birth and after 42-50 days, they start flying. Despite their ability, they are supervised and kept under the protection of their parents for another 2-3 years.

Interesting Facts

• Previously, the two morphs, white and blue were considered different species.
• Due to their overpopulation at some places, they have become the reason of the destruction of their own habitat.
• They fly so high during the migration that it becomes difficult to spot them.

References

1. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/snow-goose
2. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snow_Goose/lifehistory
3. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/snow-goose
4. https://www.britannica.com/animal/snow-goose