Snow goose

Snow geese travel in family groups within huge flocks, and families stay together through their first winter. They feed by grubbing up roots and shoots, pulling plants from wet ground.

Most of the population winters west of Georgia, in the Mississippi Valley and on the mid-Atlantic coast; the birds that reach Georgia are usually singles or small groups.

Snow geese have increased greatly in the last half-century, largely by feeding on waste grain in winter. Their numbers now affect the Arctic tundra where they breed, where heavy grazing strips vegetation — a clear example of how farming on one continent reaches the far north.

A snow goose's white feathers and black wingtips are not decoration: the dark pigment strengthens the feathers that take the most wear in flight.

Nest — A shallow bowl of plants and down on the Arctic tundra
Eggs — Usually three to five
Incubation — About 22 to 25 days, by the female while the male guards
Goslings — Leave the nest within a day and feed themselves
Flight — At about six to seven weeks old
Family — Young stay with their parents through their first winter
Lifespan — Often ten years or more; some over twenty

• A lone white goose on a pond in winter may be a lost snow goose rather than a farm bird; it needs no help unless injured.
• Geese in fields are grazing on shoots and waste grain; they move on as the season turns.
• Bread fills waterfowl without nourishing them and draws crowds that spread disease.

• A white goose alone must be a domestic bird. A wild snow goose separated from its flock is usually able to fly and will rejoin others.
• The blue form is a different species. "Blue geese" are snow geese with dark feathers.

• Ross's goose
• Greater white-fronted goose
• Canada goose