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Ross's Goose

Chen rossii

Description:

A tiny white goose with black wingtips, the Ross's Goose is like a miniature version of the more abundant Snow Goose. It breeds in the central Arctic and winters primarily in central California, but it is becoming more frequent farther east. White all over, except for black primaries. Pink bill. Immature Description Pale gray above, white below. Gray line through eye. Legs, feet, and bill gray, turning pink.

Habitat:

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife, lies on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma, on the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas. The refuge is made up of water, marsh, and upland habitat and visitors can hike, observe wildlife, hunt, fish at various times throughout the year. The main focus at Hagerman NWR is providing a winter home for thousands of waterfowl. Foremost among the waterfowl are Canada geese. During fall, winter, and spring, numbers can reach 7,500 or more. Other geese include white-fronted and snow geese, with a scattering of the smaller Ross' geese.

Notes:

Spotted these 3 in a flock of Snow Geese. Photo 2 shows size comparison.

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2 Comments

gatorfellows
gatorfellows 11 years ago

This Snow Goose page from Cornell has a photo of the Ross's goose so you can compare how its head is rounder and the bill daintier. They are hard to spot by just size in the middle of a huge flock of Snow Geese. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/snow_...

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 11 years ago

great find,Gators!! Will look out for these here. These are cute.

gatorfellows
Spotted by
gatorfellows

Texas, USA

Spotted on Jan 21, 2013
Submitted on Jan 25, 2013

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