Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Tundra and other open areas, usually near bodies of fresh water or brackish marshes. Often forages in pasturelands, cultivated fields, and flooded farmlands.
Distribution: Breeds in northern Mackenzie and northwestern Keewatin, east to Southampton Island and the west coast of Hudson Bay south to James Bay. Wintering range primarily consists of the interior valleys of California; can also be found in southern New Mexico, northern Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma east to Missouri and southwestern Louisiana. In migration, may also be found in other mid-Western states (e.g., Iowa and Illinois), Kentucky, and Tennessee (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Similar to the Snow Goose, but noticeably smaller in size, with a shorter neck, and a smaller, stubbier bill that lacks a 'grinning patch'. In adults, base of bill is often covered with bluish warty protuberances. Immatures are similar to immature Snow Geese, but are usually paler in color (and, of course, smaller in size).
Nest Habits: Breeds on the ground, in colonies. Nest consists of a depression or scrape that is lined with grasses, mosses, lichens, and twigs or roots.
Eggs: 1-6, usually 3-5; 74 millimeter; white.
Incubation: Incubation lasts approximately 21-24 days, by female. Young are able to fly when they are approximately 40-45 days old; both sexes care for the young.
