Ross' Geese have short, stubby bills with a bluish (and often warty) base. The edge of the bill forms a straight border with the feathered cheek, unlike the rounded border seen on Snow Geese. The head is rounded, adding to the daintier appearance of a Ross' Goose. This bird shows a bit of a black grin patch, which is far more characteristic of a Snow Goose. However, the grin patch is fairly restricted, and seems to be more variable than is often believed.

Compare this image of a Ross' Goose with the previous image of a Snow Goose