Snow Goose - Ecology

Ecology

Outside of the nesting season, they usually feed in flocks. In winter, snow geese feed on left-over grain in fields. They migrate in large flocks, often visiting traditional stopover habitats in spectacular numbers. Snow Geese often travel and feed alongside Greater White-fronted Geese; in contrast, the two tend to avoid travelling and feeding alongside Canada Geese, which are often heavier birds.

The population of Greater Snow Geese was in decline at the beginning of the 20th century, but has now recovered to sustainable levels. Snow Geese in North America have increased to the point where the tundra breeding areas in the Arctic and the saltmarsh wintering grounds are both becoming severely degraded, and this affects other species using the same habitat.

Major nest predators include Arctic Foxes and Skuas. The biggest threat occurs during the first couple of weeks after the eggs are laid and then after hatching. The eggs and young chicks are vulnerable to these predators, but adults are generally safe. They have been seen nesting near Snowy Owl nests, which is likely a solution to predation. Their nesting success was much lower when Snowy Owls were absent, which leads scientists to believe that the owls, since they are predatory, were capable of keeping competing predators away from the nests. A similar association as with the owls has been noted between geese and Rough-legged Hawks. Additional predators at the nest have reportedly included wolves, coyotes and all three North America bear species. Few predators regularly prey on Snow Geese outside of the nesting season, but Bald Eagles (as well as possibly Golden Eagles) will readily attack wintering geese.