Ross's Geese (Chen rossii or Anser rossii)
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The Ross's Goose (Chen rossii or Anser rossii) is a North American goose. It breeds in northern Canada and winters in the southern United States (primarily central California). Smaller numbers can be found from Colorada to central Mexico and on the Texas coast. Scattered populations exist on the East Coast. The Ross's Goose is a rare vagrant to Western Europe.
Description:
This small white goose averages 22 to 25 inches in length and weighs between 30 to 73 ounces. The plumage is white except for black wing tips. It has dark eyes and a short, triangular pink-colored bill. It has a round head, dark-pink legs, and a greenish warty patch at base of bill.
It looks like a miniature version of the more common white-phase Snow Goose, except it is approximately 40% smaller. Also its bill is smaller in proportion to its body and this species lacks the "black lips". The dark phase (featured to the right) is extremely rare.
Both genders look alike, but the male is slightly larger.
The plumage of immature birds is pale gray above and white below. There is a grey line through the eyes. Their legs, feet and bill are grey, turning pink as they mature.
Breeding:
The hen incubates the eggs while the male stays nearby and guards the nest. The female covers the eggs with down when she leaves the nest, to keeps the eggs warm while she is away and also to hide them from predators.
Its primary diet consists of grasses, sedges, legumes, and domestic grains.
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