adult; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2011-01-02)


Snow Goose
Chen caerulescens

Native Range: North America

Notes: very similar to Ross's Goose but slightly larger in size and differing in size and shape of bill; nests in colonies on Arctic tundra in summer; winters in colonies on lakes and fields much farther sout; comes in both white and dark ('blue') color phases.

larger bill than Ross's Goose (California, USA; 2011-01-02)
black wing-tips (California, USA; 2007-02-04)

dark or blue color phase (California, USA; 2007-02-04)
adult with grayer juvenile in back (California, USA; 2007-01-13)

flock in flight (California, USA; 2007-01-13)
more flight postures (California, USA; 2007-01-13)

V-formation (California, USA; 2007-02-03)
standing on partially frozen lake (Montana, USA; 2006-03-23)

some flocks are very large... (Montana, USA; 2006-03-23)
and beautiful... (Montana, USA; 2006-03-23)

with mountainds in backdrop... (Montana, USA; 2006-03-23)
and dense (Montana, USA; 2006-03-23)

head shot; note 'grin patch' on bill (California, USA; 2011-01-02)