Similar Species
Snow Goose
Adult white morph
The Snow Goose is larger with a bigger bill than Ross's Goose. It has a black line or grinning patch on the bill that Ross's Goose lacks.
© Nell Moore | Macaulay LibraryTennessee, December 23, 2010Similar Species
Snow Goose
Adult blue morph
The Snow Goose is larger with a bigger bill than Ross's Goose. The Blue morph Snow Goose also has a black line or grinning patch on the bill that Ross's Goose lacks.
© Simon Boivin | Macaulay LibraryQuebec, May 07, 2017Main Species
Ross's Goose
Adult white morph
Small, all white goose with black primaries. Note the stubby pink bill with that is bluish-gray at the base and pink legs.
© Justin Lawson | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, March 12, 2017Adult blue morph
Two morphs of Ross's Goose occur, though the blue morph is very rare. It is mostly dark sooty gray with a white head and white under the tail.
© Brooke Miller | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 17, 2015Adult white morph
Flocks with other species of geese during the nonbreeding months in shallow wetlands, ponds, and agricultural fields.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 20, 2012Juvenile white morph
Juvenile are mostly white with some dusky highlights on the head and back. Bill and legs are dusky pink, and some individuals have a slight grin patch in the bill.
© Daniel Jauvin | Macaulay LibraryQuebec, November 06, 2016Adult white morph
In flight all white with black primaries.
© Aaron Brees | Macaulay LibraryIowa, December 29, 2016Adult/immature
Forms flocks during the nonbreeding season. Strong flier.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryOregon, February 19, 2012Adult white morph
Bill appears short and stubby, with a reduced or absent grin patch, and a rounded head.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 08, 2007Adult white morph (with Snow Goose
Often found with Snow Geese. Note smaller body size and smaller bill.
© Joshua Covill | Macaulay LibraryMontana, March 29, 2017Adult white morph
Found on shallow wetlands and ponds often with other goose species.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 20, 2012Adult white morph (with Canada Goose and Cackling Goose)
Often flocks with other species of geese.
© Max Leibowitz | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 04, 2017Adult white morph
Small, round-headed goose with a small pinkish bill.
© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryMissouri, December 01, 1998