Snow Goose

Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) is in the Ducks, Geese, and Swans family (Anatidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 26,759 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in December.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: winter visitor. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Snow Goose: observations by month (U.S.)

About Snow Goose

The snow goose (Anser caerulescens), consisting of both a white phase and blue phase (Blue Goose), is a North American species of goose commonly collectively referred to as "light geese". Its name derives from the typically white plumage. Many taxonomic authorities placed this species and the other "white geese" in the Chen genus,. Most authorities now follow the traditional treatment of placing these species in the "gray goose" genus Anser. The scientific name is from the...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Snow Goose by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)

MallardAnas platyrhynchos

Canada GooseBranta canadensis

Wood DuckAix sponsa

Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeata

BuffleheadBucephala albeola

American WigeonMareca americana

Hooded MerganserLophodytes cucullatus

Ring-necked DuckAythya collaris

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ