Ross's and Snow x Ross's Goose hybrid ~ March 22, 2022

I returned to the Madison Farms pond and was able to get some better comparison photos of both the Ross's Goose and the Snow x Ross's Goose hybrid. I got my best photos ever of a Ross's Goose, which swam very close and in nice lighting.

Ross's Goose

The following photo shows the comparison between the Ross's Goose on the left and the Snow Geese behind it. Note the much smaller overall size and stubbier bill with no black 'grin patch' on a rounder, whiter head. The Snow Geese show a longer bill with a very noticeable black 'grin patch'.

Ross's Goose (left) followed by Snow Geese

Here's a photo of the Ross's Goose with a Mallard, showing that the Ross's Goose isn't that much larger than the Mallard.

Ross's Goose with a Mallard

There were two Snow Goose x Ross's Goose hybrids in among the Snows. One of the birds provided this great comparison photo when it stood right behind a Snow Geese holding a similar profile. Note the 'grin patch' is present but not as pronounced as the bill on the Snow Goose, which is also longer in length. Plus, the head is more rounded on the hybrid and the overall size is a bit smaller than the 'pure' Snow.

Snow Goose x Ross's Goose hybrid behind a Snow Goose

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