Greater white-fronted geese, Texel Netherlands (2013) The greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) is a species of goose related to the smaller lesser white-fronted goose (A. erythropus).It is named for the patch of white feathers bordering the base of its bill, in fact albifrons comes from the Latin albus "white" and frons" forehead ". Snow, Ross’s, Greater White-fronted (all pictured above) and Cackling Geese can all be easily seen, very conveniently, at Colusa.
Included are emperor geese; Ross’s geese; two subspecies each of greater white-fronted geese, brant, and snow geese; five subspecies of Canada geese; and four subspecies of cackling geese. Known commonly in Europe as simply the white-fronted goose, this species breeds in northern Europe and Asia, and spends its winters in southern and western Europe. Its name derives from the typically white plumage.Many taxonomic authorities placed this species and the other "white geese" in the genus Chen.
The genus of this bird is disputed. Populations of greater white-fronted geese, commonly known as specs or speckle bellies, found in the Pacific Flyway have fluctuated for the past several decades. A handful of “blue” Snow Geese can be expected as well. The snow goose (Chen caerulescens), also known as the blue goose, is a North American species of goose.Its name derives from the typically white plumage. While collectively known as “Arctic geese,” these birds do not nest exclusively above 66.5 north latitude, which is commonly known as the Arctic Circle. The Greater White-fronted Goose is a stocky brown goose that occurs across the Northern Hemisphere and in North America is found mainly west of the Mississippi. The snow goose (Anser caerulescens), consisting of both a white morph and dark morph (blue goose), is a North American species of goose, collectively with Ross's goose often referred to as "white geese" or "light geese." Currently, the Pacific population is increasing and is above flyway management objectives. It sports white feathers around its pinkish orange bill, orange legs, and a white line down its side. Not readily apparent on the ground, the ‘speckled belly’ becomes obvious when the bird takes flight. There is no shortage of Snow Geese, and no shortage of birds that feel right at home hanging out just a stone’s throw from you at the viewing platform. A subspecies that is slightly larger, Anser albifrons frontalis, breeds throughout Europe but winters in the US (west of the Mississippi River) and Japan. These geese breed in arctic tundra and winter in large flocks in wetlands, lakes, and croplands. White-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) Named for the distinctive white band that surrounds its bill, the white-fronted goose commonly is known as the specklebelly, thanks to dark brown or black patches and bars that mark its breast.