(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)

Greater White-fronted Goose - Anser albifrons

Identification Tips:

  1. Length: 20 inches Wingspan: 60 inches
  2. Sexes similar
  3. Medium-sized long-necked goose

Adult

  1. Mostly brown plumage
  2. White patch at base of pink or orange bill
  3. Irregular black spots on belly
  4. White line separating belly from wings
  5. White under and uppertail coverts, dark tail
  6. Orange legs and feet

Immature

  1. Mostly brown plumage darker on the upperparts
  2. Yellowish bill, legs, and feet

Similar species:

The White-fronted Goose is the only goose with irregular black spots on the belly and a white patch at the base of the bill. Immatures lack these marks and could be confused with immature blue phase Snow Geese but they have yellowish rather than dark bills, legs, and feet. Escaped domesticated geese can be similar.