Snow Goose

Description: Snow geese are divided into two subspecies: greater and lesser and have two color phases: dark and white. Dark phase birds (sometimes called “blues”) usually have dark grayish capes across the back, which can wrap across the breast and up the neck, whereas white phase birds are all white except for their black primary wing feathers. Regardless of phase, snow geese have reddish feet and pink bills with black “smiling patches” on the sides. The males tend to be larger. Average size: 27-33 inches. Average weight: 5-8 ½ pounds.

Science: Snow geese summer in the Arctic tundra and on the shores along northern Canada and Greenland. Fall migration usually begins in late September. They’re found in grasslands, grain fields, and coastal wetlands along the way to their wintering grounds, which extend along the Gulf Coast, the west coast of the southern United States and Mexico, and the Atlantic seaboard. They feed mainly on grasses, grains, corn, and wheat. Snow geese migrate in enormous flocks, which can number in the tens of thousands. Their population is increasing. The call of this noisy bird sounds like a series of high-pitched yelps.

Hunting: Snow geese are often hunted near refuges along the flyway to winter areas. They roost in water and move to fields to feed in the morning and late afternoon. Hunters often use many large decoys to lure these wary, high-flying birds. As they are so vocal, snows respond well to calls. The eating quality is fair: the meat is dark and can be strong-tasting.