[2] According to Robert O. Hawes, there were numerous references to auto-sexing geese in colonial America, western England and Normandy (France), although they were never explicitly named.

[2] However, Oscar Grow (a renowned waterfowl expert in the 1900s) contended that he developed the species in America in the 1930s during the Great Depression and that the breed's name was given by his wife in recognition of the family's pilgrimage from Iowa to Missouri.

[6] According to Dave Holderread, an experienced breeder and author in the field of waterfowl, there were likely small populations of auto-sexing geese in various locations throughout the world.

[7] They have plump bodies with a smooth chest that is keelless (lacking a visible breastbone) and two rounded fatty lobes located on their abdomen.

[9] Both adult male and female pilgrim geese have webbed toes, short shanks and a knobless bill that are entirely orange in colour.

[9] However, the colour of their eyes and plumage differ between the two genders and are therefore the major features associated with their auto-sexing characteristic.

[10] There are only four other auto-sexing breeds of geese: the West of England (Old English), the Choctaw (Cotton Patch), the Shetland and the Normandy goose.

[11] Adult male pilgrim geese are identified by a creamy white plumage (some may also have some grey markings on the rump, wings and tail) and blue eyes.

[2][10] Meanwhile, adult females have a mostly olive-grey plumage which is relatively lighter in comparison to the Toulouse and Pomeranian geese breeds.

[6] In the 1930s, there was a movement by the Society of the Pilgrim Goose to attempt to restore the popularity of sexually dimorphic geese in the United States.

[2] However, this often triggers a more protective behaviour (in contrast to their typically peaceful demeanour) during breeding season as they become defensive of their young.

[2] Specifically, plant material constitutes a large portion of their diet as they graze in pastures, orchards and yards as well as feed on dandelions and weeds.

[2][6] Furthermore, they will also feed on larvae and pupae (which can be found beneath rocks), aquatic animals, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs.

[13] While pilgrim geese are spring layers, studies have also shown that artificial lights can be used to trigger egg production several weeks earlier than normal.

[6] According to Holderread, selection of pilgrim geese for breeding stock should favour those with broad backs and breast that are keelless as this indicates they are purebred.

[14] Meanwhile, birds with a knob, long necks and legs and shallow breasts should be avoided as these features suggest crossbreeding.

[13] The study started in the spring of 1950 with 2 male and 4 female pilgrim geese which were mated together in two breeding pens.