Snow Geese

Migratory geese that can form immense flocks in Quebec.

Field guide

Migratory geese that can form immense flocks in Quebec.

Identification

Shared features

White or blue morph with dark wing tips and a pink bill with a dark grin patch.

Male

Snow goose males occur in both white and blue morphs, with black flight feathers and a pink bill bearing a dark grin patch. Males average larger, but plumage does not indicate sex.

Female

Females may be white or blue morph too and show the same bill pattern. Size overlaps; grayish juveniles and the two color morphs should not be mistaken for sex differences.

Habitat

Shallow wetlands, tidal flats and agricultural fields during migration.

Where to look during the day

Morning

At dawn, watch flocks leaving water roosts for nearby fields.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, scan feeding fields and shallow water used for resting.

Evening

At dusk, listen for noisy flights back toward roost water.

Sounds

High, nasal honks and yelps overlap in large flocks.

Recorded calls

Snow goose

Field recording of a snow goose. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

Lütgens, Hans · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

Daily: 20Possession: No limit

Official bag-limit source

Daily: 12Possession: No limit

Official bag-limit source