Reproduction

The breeding season for the snow goose begins in June. Pairs are considered monogamous though extra-pair copulations regularly occur.

Mate selection tends to be influenced by the color phase of their parents. Those born to white color phase members tend to favor a white color phase partner though breeding between the two phases is possible.

Snow geese place their nest on a high spot. This helps them to spot predators which may approach them. They seem to use the same nest site each year.

Nests are built by females in a shallow depression. The nest is lined with grass, moss or down.

In to this nest they can deposit up to 10 eggs. Eggs are laid one day apart. These are incubated for 23 to 26 days. Incubation is primarily performed by the mother while the male defends the nest. One clutch is raised each year.

Within 24 hours of birth the chicks are up and feeding with their parents. They will primarily feed on insects which provide protein. At two weeks old they begin feeding on vegetation.

Goslings differ between color phases. White phase individuals are colored yellow as chicks while blue phase individuals are black. As they grow they take on the adult coloration. Full adult coloration is achieved around April or May of the next year.

A relationship appears to occur between snowy owls and snow geese where they will nest near snowy owls which keep away predators.

Sexual maturity is reached between 2 and 4 years old.

Behavior

The snow goose is most often seen in a flock. These may include dozens of other snow geese. Flocks have been recorded to reach several thousand members.

Flocks may travel with other geese species such as the Canada goose.

Snow geese produce a range of vocalizations including a loud honk made when in flight.

At the end of each winter the snow goose will migrate from the breeding grounds up North.

While sleeping they tend to stand on one leg.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the snow goose include the Arctic fox and birds of prey such as the jaeger.

These birds are hunted by humans but their numbers are considered to be increasing. Global warming has also increased the temperature at nesting time which allows for greater breeding success.

During the 1910s they were almost hunted to extinction in parts of their range. They have since rebounded to the point of overabundance in some areas.

Current IUCN Red List Status - Least Concern

Quick facts

The blue phase of the snow goose was once thought to be a separate species but is now recognized as a color morph of the same species.