Geese in Arizona encompass a mix of true wild species and expanding resident populations, most notably the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and several Arctic‐breeding migrants.
Canada Goose is the most familiar, with adults showing a black neck and head, white cheek patch, and brownish body. Traditionally a transient winter visitor, several subspecies (particularly the smaller “lesser” Canada Geese) have established year‐round, nesting populations around irrigated lakes, golf courses and urban ponds statewide.
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), once lumped with small Canada Geese, appears in winter flocks—distinguished by its shorter bill, stubbier neck and paler plumage—often mixed with Canada Geese at Whitewater Draw, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and along the Lower Colorado River.
Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) and its diminutive cousin Ross’s Goose (Anser rossii) pass through Arizona on spring and fall migrations in spectacular white‐plumaged flocks, staging at sites such as Cibola NWR and Yuma’s wetlands. The larger Snow Goose shows black wingtips in flight, whereas Ross’s is smaller with a stubby bill and entirely snow‐white body.
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) is less numerous but regular in winter; look for its gray‐brown body, conspicuous white face band at the base of the bill, and orange legs in mixed goose flocks.