What kind of goose has pink legs?

Geese are waterfowl belonging to the Anatidae family, which also includes ducks and swans. While most geese have orange or yellow legs, there are a few species that can develop pinkish legs under certain conditions.

Canadian Goose

The most common goose with pink legs is the Canadian goose (Branta canadensis). This large goose has a black head and neck with white cheeks and chinstrap. The body is brownish-gray, and the underside is light gray. The legs and feet are typically orange or yellow-orange. However, the legs can range from a pale pink to a deep salmon color. The reason some Canadian geese have pink legs is not fully understood but is likely diet-related. A diet rich in carotenoids, antioxidants that provide red and yellow pigments, is thought to be responsible for the orange-yellow color in most individuals. However, geese with access to food sources lacking carotenoids may develop pinkish legs due to poor pigmentation.

Snow Goose

The snow goose (Anser caerulescens) is another goose species that may have pink legs. These geese have white plumage with black wingtips. Like the Canadian goose, the legs are typically orange or red-orange. However, some, especially juvenile snow geese, can have pale pink legs. Diet is again the likely cause, with lack of carotenoids resulting in less intense coloration.

Ross’s Goose

Ross’s goose (Anser rossii) is a smaller all-white goose that breeds in Arctic regions. It looks very similar to the snow goose but is much smaller. Ross’s geese usually have bright orange or pinkish-red legs and feet. However, it is not uncommon to find individuals with paler pinkish legs within flocks of these geese. The proportions of xanthophyll pigments obtained from their food source during molting likely determine leg color.

Emperor Goose

The emperor goose (Anser canagica) is a rare goose species that breeds in Alaska and Siberia. They have a gray body, white head and hindneck, and a black throat and forehead. Emperor geese typically have orange legs. But some may have pinkish legs, again linked to low carotenoid levels in their diet. The emperor goose’s threatened status makes sightings of this species with pink legs very rare.

Barnacle Goose

The barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) is sometimes confused with the similar-looking brant goose. Found in northern Europe and Russia, barnacle geese have black necks and heads with white face patches. The rest of the body is gray above and pale gray below. Barnacle geese usually have black legs and feet. But a small percentage of juvenile barnacle geese may develop pinkish legs before turning darker in adulthood.

Cackling Goose

The cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii) was once considered the same species as the Canada goose. It is much smaller with a shorter neck and stubbier bill. The cackling goose is named for its distinct high-pitched cackling call. It has white chin straps with a brown body and pale breast. The legs and feet are generally orange-pink but can appear light pink in some individuals.

Egyptian Goose

The Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) is a member of the duck subfamily, but commonly referred to as a goose. Native to Africa, it has dark brown plumage with a buff-colored patch on the lower belly. Most Egyptian geese have pink legs and feet with black nails. However, leg color can vary from pink to orange. The species was also introduced to parks and private collections in Europe, North America, and Australia.

Conclusion

While most goose species have yellow, orange, or red legs, several types of geese can develop pink legs under certain conditions. The most common causes are age (young birds) and diet (lack of carotenoids). Canadian, snow, Ross’s, emperor, barnacle, cackling, and Egyptian geese are among the goose species where individuals with pink legs may be spotted in the wild on occasion. Proper identification requires looking at size, coloring, behavior, voice, and other characteristics along with leg hue.

References

[1] Baldassarre, G. (2014). Ducks, geese, and swans of North America. JHU Press.

[2] Dunn, J. (2011). Field guide to the birds of North America. National Geographic Books.

[3] McWilliams, S. R., & Brauning, D. W. (2000). The birds of Pennsylvania. Cornell University Press.

[4] Professor Pig’s Goose Identification Page https://gooseidentifier.com

[5] Ritchie, R. J., & Harrison, G. J. (1994). Avian medicine: principles and application. Wingers Pub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes pink legs in geese?

The primary cause of pink legs in geese is diet – specifically, a diet low in carotenoids. Carotenoids are pigments that birds ingest from foods like plants, seeds, and crustaceans. These pigments are responsible for the orange, pink, and yellow colors in bird legs, bills, and feathers. A deficiency leads to paler coloration.

Do pink legs mean the goose is sick?

No, pink legs do not necessarily mean a goose is sick. As long as the bird is behaving normally, pink legs simply indicate low carotenoid levels. However, very pale or white legs could signal an underlying health issue in rare cases.

How can you tell a Canada goose from other geese?

A Canada goose can be identified by its large size, long black neck, white cheeks, light brown body, and orange legs and feet. The species has a distinctive black head and neck with white throat and chinstrap. Behavioral clues include their loud honking calls and ability to take flight quickly.

What color feet do snow geese have?

Snow geese typically have bright orange or pinkish-red feet. But some, especially juvenile birds, may have lighter pink legs and feet due to diet. Their all-white plumage with black wingtips helps distinguish them from other goose species.

Do geese legs change color?

Goose legs can change color over time, especially in younger birds. Goslings often have yellowish or flesh-colored legs that turn orange or pink as they mature. Some species also develop more vibrant orange/red leg color during breeding season. Diet influences long-term leg hue.

Comparative Table of Geese Species and Leg Color