Ross's goose
Scientific name: Anser rossii
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Ross's geese are small white geese with black primaries, a short neck, and a small rounded head. Males and females are similar in plumage; the bill is proportionally shorter and stubbier than in Greater Snow Geese, often with a granular texture at the base.
Size and weight
Adults weigh 1.3–1.9 kg; body length 55–66 cm. Females average slightly smaller than males.
Habitat
Ross's geese breed in arctic tundra of northern Canada and Alaska, favoring low-lying wetlands, marshes, and coastal plains. They winter in shallow freshwater and brackish marshes, prairie ponds, and agricultural areas across central North America.
Distribution
Arctic and subarctic breeders; winter range extends from the southern Great Plains south through Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico. Concentrated migration corridors follow prairie pothole regions and river valleys.
Diet
Ross's geese graze on grasses, sedges, and clover in spring and fall, and forage on agricultural grain (wheat, barley) and legumes during migration and winter.
Behaviour
Highly social and migratory; they feed primarily at dawn and dusk but will graze throughout daylight in undisturbed areas. They form flocks of dozens to thousands and vocalize frequently with high-pitched, nasal calls.
Hunting tips
Look for flight lines moving between overnight roosts and feeding areas at first light and late afternoon. Scout stubble fields and grain areas for fresh droppings and concentrated grazing sign. Use decoys in grain fields or shallow water; approach from downwind and concealed. Respond to their high-pitched calls with goose calls to encourage decoying birds.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.