Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Ross's Goose
Anser rosii
Length 22.6 to 25.2 in (57.3 to 64 cm)
Weight 2.3 to 3.5 lb (1.06 to 1.6 kg)
Wingspan 44.5 to 45.7 in (113 to 116 cm)
A Gaggle of Geese
Ross's geesenamed for 19th century naturalist Bernard Rossare a migratory species. They nest in the North American Arctic and fly as far south as southeast Texas and north-central Mexico to overwinter. Conservation efforts over the past century have been very successful. One nesting colony in Canada was found to have more than 80,000 geese.
Reproduction Ross's geese nest in large colonies. Females incubate the eggs (usually four).
Natural Diet Grasses, roots, and small grains
Range Canada, northern Mexico, and the Great Plains
Habitat Grasslands, wetlands, and rocky areas
Erected by Smithsonian National Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 38° 55.784′ N, 77° 3.067′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. It can be reached from Asia Trail Northwest south of Olmsted Walk Northwest,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Whooping Crane (within shouting distance of this marker); Working for Whoopers (within shouting distance of this marker); Eagle Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Kori Bustard (within shouting distance of this marker); Flamingo Breeding (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Column Capital (about 300 feet away); 50 Years of Giant Panda Conservation Success (about 400 feet away); Giant Pandas (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 40 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
