Part I Breeding Biology Snow geese have reproductive and behavioral characteristics that help ensure successful reproduction in the unpredictable, rigorous and short arctic nesting season. They are long lived, and can successfully reproduce to 20 years of age and beyond. The maximum lifespan of geese in the wild is not readily measured because they can outlive legbands used to identify individual birds.
Snow geese generally mate for life.
However, if one bird dies the other usually finds a new mate relatively quickly. Like other goose species, snow geese do not breed until they are at least two years old. A female snow goose lays 4-5 eggs. Because of the short nesting season they seldom, if ever, renest if their first clutch is destroyed. Goslings remain with the adults during full migration, winter and the spring return to the breeding grounds, before the family bond is broken.