General

Ross's Goose: Small, white goose with black primary feathers, stubby gray-based red-orange bill, and red-orange legs and feet. Female is similar but smaller.

Range and Habitat

Ross's Goose: Breeds on tundra in coastal regions of extreme northern Canada and on Southampton Island in the Hudson Bay. Spends winters in California and in increasing numbers in the lower Mississippi Valley, on the east coast, and along the Gulf Coast of Texas, Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Found in salt and freshwater marshes during winter.

Breeding and Nesting

Ross's Goose: Four or five white eggs are laid on the ground in a grass nest lined with down and built on a small lake or river island; nests in loose colonies. Incubation ranges from 21 to 24 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Ross's Goose: Feeds on grass, sedges, and small grains, particularly waste wheat and barley during winter months.

Vocalization

Ross's Goose: Emits soft cackling and grunting notes.

Similar Species

Ross's Goose: White morph Snow Goose is larger and has black patch on bill.