Ross’s Goose — Length 23 inches
The Ross’s Goose is like a small Snow Goose. The smaller size and lack of “grin patch” help separate it from the Snow Goose.
There is a dark morph of Ross’s Goose but it is very rare.
Small, pink bill, reddish legs ad feet. Black wingtips show when bird is grazing. The brown markings at the bottom third of the bill vary by individual bird and may be missing completely. Photograph by Tom Grey.
Ross’s Goose on the left. Ross’s Goose has more rounded head, and smaller bill. Photograph by Greg Lavaty.
Ross’s Goose on the left, smaller than the Snow Goose. Photograph by Greg Lavaty.
Compare the shape of the head and the bill of these two similar species. Snow Goose with the black “grin” on the left.