Ross’s geese are a small subspecies of snow goose that breed in the high Arctic of Canada and migrate south to the United States for winter. Here are some key facts about where Ross’s geese live:
Breeding Range
– Ross’s geese breed in the Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary in the central Canadian Arctic. This area is located in the Nunavut and Northwest Territories.
– Their main nesting area is around Karrak Lake in Nunavut’s Queen Maud Gulf region.
– Smaller numbers also nest on Baffin Island, Southampton Island, and Banks Island in the central and eastern Canadian Arctic.
– Ross’s geese nest in tundra wetland habitats, building their nests on the ground lined with down feathers near ponds or lakes.
Wintering Range
– After breeding in the summer, Ross’s geese migrate south to overwinter in large wetland areas in the United States.
– Their main wintering grounds are in California, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
– Some also overwinter as far east as Mississippi.
– Important wetland wintering sites include Sacramento Valley in California, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas, and White River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas.
Spring and Fall Migration Routes
– In spring, Ross’s geese follow a central migration corridor up through the Great Plains states.
– They travel north through North Dakota, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, to reach Arctic breeding grounds.
– In fall, they take a more westerly route through the western plains and intermountain West to reach wintering areas.
– Migration stops include Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge in California, and Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.
Population and Conservation Status
Ross’s geese have experienced a remarkable population boom in the past decades:
Year | Estimated Population |
---|---|
Early 1900s | 2,000-3,000 |
1970 | 28,000 |
1990 | 335,000 |
2014 | 1 million |
– Their numbers were very low in the early 20th century, with only 2,000-3,000 estimated in the 1930s.
– Conservation measures allowed the population to recover to around 28,000 by 1970.
– Then numbers exploded to over 1 million today due to increased agriculture providing more food resources along migration routes.
– Ross’s geese are not endangered. Their global population is around 1 million and increasing.
– They are classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Ross’s geese are herbivores adapted for grazing on grasses and sedges:
– During breeding season, they mainly forage on grasses, sedges, rushes, aquatic plants, moss, and algae.
– On migration and wintering grounds, they heavily utilize agricultural crops including waste corn, rice, wheat, barley, and soybeans.
– Their serrated bills allow them to efficiently clip and shred grass stems and agricultural crops.
– They feed in large flocks during migration and winter.
Unique Identifying Features
Ross’s geese can be identified by their small size, distinctive short stubby bill, and round head shape:
– They are the smallest of the white-phase geese in North America, averaging 2-3 lbs in weight with a 36-41 inch wingspan.
– Their bills are very short, conical, and blue-gray with a distinct round head shape.
– Plumage is snowy white with black wingtips.
– Their legs and feet are bright bubblegum-pink.
– Males and females appear identical. Juveniles have a gray-brown plumage.
Compared to other white geese, Ross’s geese are smaller with a stubbier bill than snow geese and lack the black neck and head of emperor geese. Their pink legs and feet distinguish them from white-fronted geese.
Nesting and Reproduction
– Ross’s geese first breed at 2-3 years old. They form life-long pair bonds and may re-mate with the same partner for over a decade.
– Courtship displays include head bobbing, vocalizations, and triumph ceremonies.
– Nests consist of muddy depressions lined with down, grass, and lichens on the ground.
– Clutch size is 3-5 eggs that hatch after 22-24 days of incubation by the female.
– Goslings can feed themselves soon after hatching but are protected by both parents. They fledge and make their first migration south at 6-8 weeks old.
– Predators of eggs and young include arctic foxes, polar bears, ravens, jaegers, and gulls.
Relationship with Humans
– Ross’s geese were once hunted for food and down feathers, contributing to population declines. Hunting is now illegal.
– Their agricultural feeding habits can lead to some crop damage concerns.
– They are popular with birdwatchers on migration routes and in refuges where they winter in large flocks up to 100,000 strong.
– Conservation plans aim to protect key breeding habitats in the Canadian Arctic as well as wetlands along migration routes.
Conclusion
In summary, Ross’s geese are a small Arctic-nesting goose species that migrates through the Great Plains to overwinter in southwestern states and Mexico. Their breeding range is centered around the Queen Maud Gulf region in the central Canadian Arctic. From the 1970s, Ross’s geese experienced a remarkable population boom and are now numerous with over 1 million birds. They are known for their tiny size, distinct stubby bill, and round head shape. Ross’s geese are classified as Least Concern and conservation efforts now aim to protect wetland habitats crucial to their migration and winter survival. Their unique appearance and huge flocks make them a popular bird for viewers across North America.