Snow Goose dark morph immature

Description:

Snow geese are dimorphic, with light and dark color morphs. Adult light-morphs are white with black primaries, which are evident as black wing tips when seen from below. If observed on the ground, gray primary coverts can sometimes be seen. During summer rusty stains are often seen on the birds’ heads. The stains result from grubbing for food in mud containing iron oxides. Adult dark-morph snow geese, once known as blue geese, have dark gray-brown bodies with white heads and forenecks. A range of intermediate birds occurs between the light and dark forms. Both color morphs have a distinctive black “grin patch” or “smile” on their pink bills. Adults also have dark pink feet and legs. Immature birds of both morphs are grayer overall. The legs, feet, and bill of young birds start out gray, then turn pink. The sexes look alike, with males slightly larger than females. Blue juveniles are mostly dark gray with head/neck becoming paler.

Habitat:

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge: The primary purpose of the refuge is to protect and manage 11,320 acres of habitat for refuge and breeding ground purposes for migratory birds and other wildlife. The Refuge includes about 6,500 acres of uplands, 4,000 acres of open water, 500 acres of wetlands, and 400 acres of croplands.