North America’s geese belong to the genera Branta and Anser, forming a familiar and diverse group within the waterfowl family Anatidae. Several species occur regularly across the United States and Canada, from the widespread Canada and snow geese to more localized species such as the emperor goose. Others appear as rare visitors or introduced exotics. Although many can look similar at a distance, differences in size, plumage patterns, and voice provide useful clues for distinguishing them in the field.
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
- Identification: Large brown goose with a long black neck, white chinstrap, and contrasting pale breast.
- Where found: Widespread across North America, from Arctic tundra to city parks; winters south to Mexico.
- How to spot: Look for the bold black-and-white head pattern and listen for loud honking as flocks fly in “V” formation.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; populations stable or increasing, though some face management as nuisances.
The Canada goose is the most widespread and familiar goose in North America. Recognized by its bold black neck and head with a white chinstrap, it is an unmistakable sight in wetlands, agricultural fields, and even urban parks. It measures 75-115 centimeters (29.5-45.3 inches) in length, with the largest individuals occurring in the eastern Great Plains populations.
Adults are brownish-gray above with pale underparts, a black tail, and bright white undertail coverts. The breast varies from pale gray to rich brown depending on population, with darker subspecies found along the Pacific coast. Juveniles resemble adults but show softer and duller feather edges. Sexes look alike, with males slightly larger than females.
In the field, the Canada goose is best identified by its strong flocking behavior and loud, resonant honking calls, especially from overhead migrants. On the ground, they graze in flocks or forage in fields, walking with an easy, deliberate gait. In flight, they form long lines or the classic “V” shape, wingbeats steady and powerful. Their ritualized preflight head movements and synchronized takeoffs are characteristic, while goslings are often seen in large “gang broods” attended by multiple adults.
Breeding occurs across an enormous range, from Arctic tundra and boreal wetlands to temperate lakes, rivers, and even urban settings. Nests are placed near water, often on islands, muskrat lodges, or human-made platforms. Canada geese are highly adaptable, nesting in natural marshes as well as on city rooftops and golf courses. Most populations migrate south in winter, some reaching Mexico, but many southern breeders have become resident year-round. Diet consists largely of grasses, sedges, and crops, with a shift toward grains and berries in autumn and winter.
Populations have expanded dramatically in the last century thanks to protection, introductions, and adaptation to human landscapes. Once declining in parts of their range, they are now abundant and often considered nuisances in urban areas. Populations are generally stable or increasing, with localized management to reduce conflicts in parks and at airports. Globally, the species is not at risk.
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
- Identification: Medium-sized goose with two morphs: all-white with black wingtips or slate-gray with a white head; pink bill with dark “grin patch.”
- Where found: Breeds in Arctic Canada, Alaska, and Greenland; winters mainly in the United States and northern Mexico.
- How to spot: Look for large flocks in fields and marshes; listen for high-pitched, nasal calls and watch for the dramatic V-shaped migrations.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; populations increasing rapidly, with management hunting to control numbers.
The snow goose is one of North America’s most abundant and visible geese, known for its spectacular migrations in massive, noisy flocks. It’s a medium-sized goose, measuring 68-83 centimeters (26.8-32.7 inches) in length. The species is notable for its two striking color morphs, white and dark, which may occur side by side within the same flock.
White morph adults are largely white with black wingtips and pink legs and bill, often showing rusty-orange staining on the head from feeding in iron-rich mud. The dark morph, often called “blue goose,” is slate-gray with a white head and neck. Both morphs share the distinctive pink bill marked by a dark gap along the edge, known as the “grin patch.” Juveniles of both morphs are duller, showing more gray tones.
Snow geese are extremely vocal, producing high-pitched honks and barks that echo across marshes and fields. Their constant calling in flight makes migrating flocks easy to detect. They fly in long lines or the familiar “V” formation, often descending in a tumbling “falling-leaf” maneuver before landing. On the ground, they walk and graze in large flocks, feeding intensively in agricultural fields or wetlands. Strong fliers and swimmers, they can even dive short distances when threatened.
The breeding range lies across the high Arctic tundra of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and parts of Siberia. Colonies may number in the thousands, concentrated around river deltas, ponds, and coastal meadows. During migration they stop in wetlands, reservoirs, and fields, favoring open habitats free of tall cover. In winter, they gather in vast numbers in the central and southern United States, particularly the Mississippi Flyway, as well as in California’s Central Valley, the Atlantic Coast, and into northern Mexico. Their diet is mainly grasses, sedges, roots, and agricultural grains, with goslings also feeding on tundra plants and insect larvae.
Unlike many other geese, snow goose populations are expanding rapidly. Conservation concerns now focus less on protecting numbers and more on managing overabundance, which can damage fragile Arctic breeding habitats. Hunting regulations have been adjusted in both Canada and the United States to control growth, including liberalized spring hunts. While generally secure, they face threats from habitat degradation due to their own feeding intensity, as well as lead poisoning from spent ammunition in foraging areas.
Ross’s Goose
Anser rossii
- Identification: Small white goose with a short neck, stubby pink bill, and black wingtips.
- Where found: Breeds in the Canadian Arctic; winters mainly in California and the central U.S., with some reaching northern Mexico.
- How to spot: Look for flocks of small white geese mixed with snow geese; note the small bill and clean white face.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; populations increasing, though habitat degradation and hunting are ongoing pressures.
Ross’s goose is the smallest white goose in North America, often described as a “miniature snow goose.” Adults measure 57-64 centimeters (22.4-25.2 inches) in length, with males slightly larger than females. The species is instantly recognizable by its short neck, stubby bill, and compact build, making it look daintier and rounder-headed than its larger cousin.
The typical adult is entirely white with black wingtips, pink legs, and a pink bill often showing a bluish-gray base. Unlike snow geese, Ross’s geese usually lack the rusty facial stains from feeding and show only a faint or absent dark “grin patch.” Juveniles are grayish with darker heads and necks before they molt into adult plumage. A rare dark morph exists, but it is extremely uncommon.
In the field, Ross’s goose can be separated from snow goose by its smaller size, shorter bill with a straighter facial line, and cleaner white face. It is highly maneuverable in flight, sometimes twisting and turning like a flock of shorebirds, and frequently joins large mixed flocks with snow geese during migration and winter. Its calls are higher-pitched and softer than those of snow goose, often given as flocks wheel in tight formations or descend in a rapid “falling leaf” flight pattern.
The breeding range is centered in the low Arctic tundra of Canada, particularly in the Ahiak Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Nunavut, with growing colonies along the Hudson Bay coast. Nests are placed on the ground in open tundra near ponds, lakes, or on small islands, often within large mixed colonies with snow geese. During migration, Ross’s geese feed in marshes and agricultural fields across the Canadian prairies, and they winter mainly in California’s Central Valley, the mid-continent flyways of the U.S., and parts of northern Mexico. Their diet is dominated by grasses, sedges, and agricultural grains.
Once rare in the mid-twentieth century, Ross’s goose populations have increased steeply, paralleling the rise of snow geese as Arctic warming and agricultural expansion provided more food. Today, they are abundant and widely hunted, with annual harvests managed in the U.S. and Canada. Their sheer numbers now pose ecological challenges, as large flocks can overgraze sensitive Arctic tundra. The species is also vulnerable to water pollution and pesticide exposure in agricultural landscapes.
Cackling Goose
Branta hutchinsii
- Identification: Small, short-necked goose with a stubby black bill and white chinstrap; resembles a miniature Canada Goose.
- Where found: Breeds across Arctic Canada and Alaska; winters from British Columbia and California to the southern and central U.S.
- How to spot: Look for flocks of small geese mixed with larger Canada Geese; note shorter neck, rounder head, and higher-pitched calls.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; some subspecies have recovered from past declines, though climate change and pollutants remain concerns.
The cackling goose is a compact relative of the Canada goose and can be difficult to tell apart in the field. Adults measure only 63-65 centimeters (24.8-25.6 inches) in length, making them barely larger than a mallard. Their short neck and stubby bill give them a distinctly smaller, rounder-headed appearance compared to Canada geese, though plumage is nearly identical.
Adults are brownish-gray above with paler underparts, a black head and neck, and the familiar white cheek patch. Some show a narrow white neck collar, most often in the Aleutian subspecies. The rump and tail are black with a bright white uppertail, and the bill is proportionately much shorter than in Canada goose. Juveniles resemble adults but are duller, with softer gray feathering.
In mixed flocks, cackling geese stand out by their smaller size and different vocalizations. Their calls are higher-pitched and more squeaky or cackling compared to the deeper honks of Canada geese. In flight, they use the same “V” formations but appear quicker and more agile, often performing tight evasive maneuvers when disturbed by predators. They are strong walkers and grazers, commonly foraging in agricultural fields alongside other geese.
Breeding takes place on Arctic tundra across Canada and Alaska, including the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and Arctic islands, often near lakes, rivers, and coastal marshes. Nests are placed on slightly elevated ground, tundra hummocks, or islands with good visibility. During migration they use wetlands, lakes, and agricultural fields, while in winter they favor grasslands, coastal marshes, and crop fields, returning nightly to roosting wetlands. Their diet is herbivorous, dominated by grasses and sedges in summer, with a shift to grains, seeds, and tubers in autumn and winter.
Once considered part of Canada goose, the cackling goose is now recognized as a distinct species. Population trends are not fully understood due to the past taxonomic confusion, but overall numbers appear stable or increasing. The Aleutian subspecies recovered dramatically after being listed under the Endangered Species Act, showing successful conservation. Today, hunting is regulated, with tens of thousands harvested annually. Potential long-term threats include habitat loss from climate change, especially in the Arctic, and exposure to agricultural pollutants.
Greater White-Fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
- Identification: Medium-sized gray-brown goose with a white forehead patch, orange legs, and variable black belly markings.
- Where found: Breeds across Arctic tundra from Alaska to Nunavut; winters in California, the Gulf Coast, Mexico, and the Mississippi Valley.
- How to spot: Look for the bright white “front” on the face and dark belly barring; listen for melodious, laugh-like calls in flight.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; widespread and stable overall, though some subspecies are scarcer and require careful monitoring.
The greater white-fronted goose is a widespread Arctic breeder and one of the most distinctive gray-brown geese in North America. Adults measure 64-81 centimeters (25.2-31.9 inches) in length and are easily recognized by the white patch on the forehead above the bill, which gives the species its name. Their compact build and bright orange legs further set them apart from other geese.
Adults have gray-brown plumage above with paler underparts, accented by irregular black bars and blotches across the belly. The pinkish to orange bill is tipped pale, while the tail and rump are marked with bold white and dark contrasts. Juveniles lack both the white forehead and the belly bars, appearing plainer with duller orange legs. Males and females look alike, though males average slightly larger.
This species is highly vocal and has earned the nickname “laughing goose” for its clear, melodious calls, often heard from large flocks in flight. Flocks fly in V-shaped formations and descend with tumbling “falling-leaf” maneuvers to approach fields or wetlands. On the ground, they graze and glean in groups, walking steadily through marshes, tundra, or agricultural fields.
Breeding occurs across the Arctic tundra and taiga, from Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and Arctic Slope east across Canada to Nunavut. During migration, birds use staging areas in Alaska and the Canadian prairies, often in fields and wetlands, before wintering farther south. Wintering populations concentrate in California’s Central Valley, along the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, and into coastal Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico. Their diet shifts seasonally: sedges, grasses, and berries during summer, with grains and other seeds dominating in winter.
Populations are generally stable and widespread, though some subspecies, such as the tule goose of Alaska, are scarce and more localized. The species is heavily hunted across much of its range, making it especially vulnerable early in migration when flocks first reach staging or wintering grounds. Conservation efforts emphasize careful harvest monitoring and protection of staging wetlands and winter roosts, particularly in public refuges. Arctic warming and agricultural expansion may continue to influence its populations in coming decades.
Brant
Branta bernicla
- Identification: Small, dark goose with black head, breast, and neck marked by a small white “necklace,” white rump, and short stubby bill.
- Where found: Breeds in the Arctic tundra of Canada, Alaska, and Greenland; winters mainly along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America.
- How to spot: Look for tight coastal flocks feeding on eelgrass or saltmarsh plants; the white rump and neat neck collar are distinctive.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; populations below target levels, facing pressures from habitat loss and climate change.
The brant is the smallest and most marine-adapted goose in North America, measuring 55-66 centimeters (21.7-26 inches) in length. Its compact build, short neck, and dark plumage with a white rump make it unmistakable among geese.
Plumage is overall dark, with a black head, breast, primaries, and tail. A narrow, broken white band or “necklace” circles the middle of the neck, standing out against the black. The belly varies by subspecies: pale gray in eastern Arctic populations, nearly black in western Arctic birds (the so-called black brant), and medium gray in high Arctic breeders. Males are slightly larger than females but otherwise similar. Juveniles are duller, with whitish edges on wing coverts and scapulars that wear off by spring.
In the field, the brant are identified by their small, short-necked shape, dark plumage, and distinctive calls. Their rolling “raunk, raunk” or softer “ronk” is often heard as flocks fly low along the coast or feed on intertidal flats. In flight they show rapid wingbeats, pointed wings, and the bright white tail coverts concealing the darker tail. Unlike inland geese, they are strongly marine, almost always seen in flocks over bays, estuaries, and saltmarshes.
The brant breed across the low and high Arctic tundra of Canada and Alaska, typically near lakes, rivers, or coastal flats. Nesting occurs on small islands or grassy tundra hummocks, with broods moved quickly to saltmarshes rich in grasses and sedges. Migration is long and coastal, with major staging areas in eelgrass meadows. In North America, Atlantic populations winter from Massachusetts to North Carolina, while Pacific populations winter from Alaska to Baja California and the coasts of northwestern Mexico. Their diet shifts seasonally from Arctic graminoids and forbs during breeding to eelgrass, algae, and saltmarsh plants in winter.
Once numbering higher, brant populations have declined since the 1970s and remain below waterfowl management targets. The greatest threats are the loss of coastal wintering habitat from climate change and sea-level rise, which erode saltmarshes and submerge feeding areas. Disturbance from petroleum development in Arctic breeding grounds and heavy reliance on specific staging areas add to the risks. Although carefully managed hunting occurs, the species’ restricted range and dependence on marine habitats make conservation a growing concern.
Emperor Goose
Anser canagicus
- Identification: Stocky, short-necked goose with white head, black throat, barred gray body, and white tail; orange legs and pinkish bill.
- Where found: Breeds mainly on Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta; winters in the Aleutian Islands and along the Alaska Peninsula.
- How to spot: Look for white head (often stained orange), dark foreneck, barred gray body, and distinctive hoarse “kla-ha” flight calls.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; populations stable but monitored closely due to restricted range and past declines.
The emperor goose is one of the most range-restricted geese in North America, confined largely to coastal Alaska. Adults measure 65-71 centimeters (25.6-28 inches) in length, making them a medium-sized goose with a notably short, thick neck and stocky build. Their striking plumage and almost entirely coastal distribution make them a standout among Arctic waterfowl.
Adults are marked by a bright white head and hindneck, contrasting with a dark foreneck and intricately barred gray body. The tail is pure white, framed by dark coverts, and the legs and feet are vivid orange. The small, pinkish bill is less prominent than in most geese. Heads often appear rusty or orange-stained from feeding in iron-rich marshes. Juveniles are overall gray-brown with scaled backs and darker flecking on the head, but by the first winter they approach adult coloration.
In the field, emperor geese are usually recognized instantly by their white heads and stocky profiles. Their wingbeats are faster than most geese, and in flight they show the white tail flashing against the darker body. Calls are hoarse and strident, a repeated “kla-ha, kla-ha,” distinct from other geese. Compared with blue-morph snow geese, emperors retain a dark foreneck that contrasts with the head. They are typically quiet in flocks, giving the species a more subdued presence than other geese.
Breeding is concentrated on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of western Alaska, where birds nest on low coastal tundra near sloughs, ponds, and saltmarsh meadows. Smaller numbers occur on the Seward Peninsula and in coastal Chukotka, Russia. Wintering is almost entirely along the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula, with only scattered records south to British Columbia, Washington, and occasionally California. During migration and winter they remain tied to intertidal flats, lagoons, and rocky coastlines, feeding on eelgrass, sea lettuce, bivalves, and other invertebrates. On breeding grounds they switch to salt-tolerant grasses and sedges.
Emperor geese declined sharply from more than 100,000 birds in the 1960s to fewer than half that number by the mid-1980s. Since then, careful protection and harvest regulations have allowed the population to recover to stable levels, though it remains limited in size and distribution. The species is highly vulnerable to climate change, sea-level rise, and marine oil pollution, in addition to regulated subsistence and sport hunting. Conservation efforts in Alaska focus on close monitoring of population trends and protection of key coastal habitats that sustain the species year-round.
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsis
- Identification: Small, compact goose with bold black-and-white head, black breast and neck, and barred gray-and-black back.
- Where found: Breeds in Greenland, Svalbard, and western Russia; winters mainly in northern Europe. Rare but increasing visitor to northeastern North America.
- How to spot: Look for white face patch contrasting with black head and breast; often found in mixed flocks with Canada geese.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; populations increasing after past declines from hunting and habitat pressures.
The barnacle goose is among the most strikingly patterned geese and a rare but regular visitor to North America. Adults measure 55-71 centimeters (21.7-28 inches) in length, making them slightly smaller than Canada geese but with a shorter, stockier build. Their bold black-and-white markings and compact size make them stand out in mixed goose flocks along the Atlantic seaboard.
Adults have a black head, neck, and breast, sharply contrasting with a white face and belly. The upperparts are finely barred gray and black, creating a silvery appearance. The bill is small and black, and the legs are dark. Juveniles resemble adults but are duller, with more muted contrast and some gray flecking in the face. Unlike the dark brant or brownish cackling goose, the barnacle goose combines the black breast and neck with a bright white face and boldly barred back, making confusion unlikely.
In the field, their distinctive face patch is the quickest identification clue. They also give short, nasal barking calls, often likened to the yapping of small dogs, which carry over flocks in flight and feeding grounds. Social and gregarious, they are usually seen in groups, sometimes integrated with Canada goose flocks during wintering periods in North America. Their flight is purposeful, with strong wingbeats and neat formations.
Barnacle geese breed mainly in Greenland, Svalbard, and western Arctic Russia, often choosing cliffs or offshore islands near tundra wetlands for nesting. A newer population has established in the Baltic and North Sea regions, where they breed on low islands with grassy vegetation. North American records are mostly along the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to Virginia, where Greenland birds appear as natural vagrants during migration and winter. They feed on grasses, sedges, and agricultural crops in wintering areas, often moving between coastal marshes and nearby fields.
Once heavily reduced by hunting and habitat loss, barnacle goose populations have rebounded strongly since the mid-twentieth century, with conservation protection in Europe leading to recovery and expansion. Today the global population is large and increasing, though localized agricultural conflicts occur on wintering grounds. In North America, they remain rare but regular visitors, best spotted in mixed flocks where their distinctive appearance quickly draws attention.
Hawaiian Goose
Branta sandvicensis
- Identification: Medium-sized goose with black face and crown, cream cheeks, pale streaked neck, barred brown body, and white undertail.
- Where found: Endemic to Hawaii; occurs naturally on Hawai’i, Maui, and Kaua’i, with reintroduced populations elsewhere in the islands.
- How to spot: Look for upright stance, reduced webbing on feet, and distinctive furrowed neck feathers; often seen grazing in grasslands or lava fields.
- Conservation status: Near Threatened globally; federally listed as Threatened in the U.S. after near-extinction in the 20th century, recovering under intensive management.
The Hawaiian goose, or Nene, is the state bird of Hawaii and the only goose species native to the islands. Adults measure 63-69 centimeters (24.8-27.2 inches) in length and show a stocky body with proportionately long legs and an upright stance. Unlike continental geese, they are adapted to a largely terrestrial lifestyle, moving with agility across rugged lava flows and shrublands.
Adults are marked by a black face and crown, cream-colored cheeks, and a pale grayish neck patterned with distinctive black streaking. The barred brown plumage covers the body, with white upper- and undertail coverts that contrast against darker feathers. The bill is short and black, and the legs and feet are relatively long with reduced webbing between the toes. Juveniles resemble adults within their first year, making age separation difficult after about five months.
In the field, Nene are recognized by their unique combination of long-legged, upright posture and furrowed neck feathers. They graze steadily on grasses and shrubs, often foraging in pairs or small groups. Their flight is weaker than that of Canada geese, with smaller wings and lower elevation flights, though they are capable of inter-island movements. Vocalizations are softer and more varied than those of mainland geese, consisting of murmuring calls within families and louder, trumpeted notes that serve as alarms or contact calls.
The species is found only in Hawaii, with breeding populations concentrated on Hawai’i, Maui, and Kaua’i. They occupy a wide range of habitats, from coastal lowlands to upland grasslands, volcanic slopes, and even golf courses and pastures. Historically nesting in dry lowlands, they now often breed in mid- to high-elevation shrublands and grasslands, including national parks and refuges. Diet is strictly herbivorous, based on grasses, sedges, berries, and seeds. Nests are placed under shrubs, trees, or rocks, and pairs remain monogamous with strong family bonds.
The Nene nearly vanished in the 20th century, with numbers dropping to about 30 individuals by the 1950s. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and reintroduction, have restored the species to several islands, with over 2,000 birds released between 1960 and 1997. Populations now exceed 2,000 individuals, with Kaua’i supporting the majority, but survival remains dependent on active management. Introduced predators such as mongoose, cats, and dogs, along with habitat change and vehicle collisions, continue to pose threats. Although reclassified from Endangered to Threatened in 2019, the Hawaiian goose remains one of the most conservation-dependent waterfowl species in the world.
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiaca
- Identification: Medium-sized, grayish-tan goose with chestnut eye mask, breast patch, pink legs, and iridescent green secondaries.
- Where found: Native to sub-Saharan Africa; introduced and now established in parts of the U.S., especially Texas, Florida, and southern California.
- How to spot: Look for bold chestnut eye patch, pink legs, and white underwings flashing in flight; often in urban ponds, golf courses, and parks.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally; in North America, increasing feral populations are unprotected and sometimes considered pests.
The Egyptian goose is a striking and easily recognized goose, originally native to Africa but now a common exotic in many urban wetlands. Adults measure 63-73 centimeters (24.8-28.7 inches) in length and have a stocky body with long neck and pink legs. They are often seen strutting along park lawns or perched on rooftops, more terrestrial than many other geese.
Plumage is mostly grayish-tan, highlighted by a dark chestnut mask around the eyes and a similar patch on the breast. The back and wings are pale with a bold green sheen in the secondaries, while the upper- and underwing coverts are white, making them conspicuous in flight. Primaries, rump, and tail are black. Both sexes look alike, though females are slightly smaller. Juveniles lack the bold facial and breast patches until several months old.
In the field, Egyptian geese are unmistakable in North America. They often perch in trees, poles, or rooftops, and can be aggressive toward other waterfowl. They are strong fliers and swimmers, but spend much of their time grazing on short grass or foraging around ornamental ponds. Calls are loud and sexually dimorphic: males give a low hissing snarl, while females produce a harsher, strident series of grunts.
In their native Africa, Egyptian geese inhabit wetlands, grasslands, and farmland. Introduced populations in the United States favor highly altered habitats such as suburban parks, golf courses, retention ponds, and rivers. In Texas and Florida they are now resident year-round, with nesting reported both on the ground and in trees. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, focused on grasses, seeds, and aquatic plants, but they readily accept handouts and may consume supplemental food.
Globally, the Egyptian goose is considered common and widespread, even invasive, with established populations across Europe and the Middle East. In North America, self-sustaining feral populations are expanding, especially in the southern states. Though not currently causing major agricultural damage, they are known to foul lawns, displace native birds, and act aggressively toward pets. As non-native exotics, they are not protected under U.S. law, and management efforts range from nest control to culling where populations conflict with human use of urban and recreational spaces.
Additional Geese Sightings in North America
While the species covered above represent the main native, rare, and established introduced geese, a few others may also be encountered. The pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus), a regular breeder in Greenland and Iceland, has wandered to northeastern North America since the 1990s, with records from Quebec south to New York, and occasionally as far as Delaware, Pennsylvania, and even Nebraska.
In addition, feral individuals of graylag goose (Anser anser) and swan goose (Anser cygnoides), both originating from domestic stock, sometimes appear in city parks, farms, and wetlands. These birds are not considered part of the continent’s wild populations but can be found locally where escapees have taken hold.
