Breeding
Ross's geese breed in the low arctic tundra, mainly near Queen Maud Gulf, southern Southampton Island, the western coast of Hudson Bay and the Sagavanirktok River delta in Alaska. They usually nest in colonies mixed with lesser snow geese, making their nests on the ground in sparsely vegetated areas. Female Ross' geese lay an average of 3-4 eggs.
Latin: Anser rossii
Average length: M 25", F 23"
Average weight: M 4.0 lbs., F 3.6 lbs.
Description
Ross' geese are the smallest of the three varieties of white geese that breed in North America. The Ross' goose is a small white goose with black primary feathers. The bill is a deep reddish-pink with a paler nail and a variably bluish warty area over the base of the basal area. The legs and feet are rose-pink and the iris is dark brown. The sexes are dimorphic, with the female being 6 percent smaller than the male. The Ross' goose has a relatively short neck and lacks the black "grinning patch" that is typical of greater and lesser snow geese, for which it is often mistaken. Ross' geese may be distinguished from snow geese by their smaller size, more rapid wing beat and higher-pitched call.
Food Habits
Ross' geese feed on grasses, sedges and small grains, particularly waste wheat and barley in the winter months.
Population
Ross’s geese were believed to number only 6,000 individuals in the 1930s. However, today the total population is greater than 2 million. Their increased population has led to a range expansion in the Arctic and on wintering grounds.
Migration and Wintering
Ross' geese are among the first to leave the breeding grounds in Canada. The California Central Valley is currently the main wintering area for Ross' geese, but increasing numbers are wintering in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas and the north-central highlands of Mexico.
