Canada Goose - Photos by Bruce Dayton - Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

ORDER: Anseriformes
FAMILY: Anatidae (Ducks and Geese - 52 Species)
SUB-FAMILY: Anserinae
SPECIES: Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Canada Goose
The Canada Goose is the most common and recognizable goose on the North American continent. The honk of the geese as they fly overhead in their familiar V-formation in their spring and fall migration is a spectacle to observe in much of America and Canada.
SIZE	The various species vary in size from 22-45" while the most common species is a large (35-45”) migratory water bird.
DESCRIPTION	Their body is usually brownish-gray. The black head and neck with white "chin strap" distinguish this goose from other species. Sexes are similar in appearance.
NESTING	Clutch size ranges from 4-8 eggs, which are incubated in 25 to 30 days. Canada Geese build their nest with grass and plant material and line it with down. They usually build their nest on the ground on islands and near shorelines.
RANGE	Different sub-groups of the Canada Goose are found throughout North America.
HABITAT	It habitats wherever their is a body of water. It prefers nesting in marshy areas such as bogs, swamps, ponds and lakes. In the spring, flocks of geese can be seen feeding in crop fields in the morning and late afternoon. Just before sunset the geese fly back to nearby lakes and wet areas to rest for the night.
DIET	These birds feed mainly on plant material. When feeding in water, they submerge their heads and necks (tipping forward) to reach aquatic plants. They can often be seen feeding on leftover corn and other grains in fields.
SPECIAL	There are at least 12 different sub-groups of this species in North America with differences primarily noted in size, voice, and plumage. The smallest of these groups is the Cackling Goose, (called "Cackling" because of their high pitched vocalizations) are about a quarter the size of the largest Canada Goose.

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The images on this web page are copyrighted © 2003 - 2007 by Bruce Dayton. I want to share my photos to promote conservation and to help people identify and learn about the birds and other creatures that live with us on the North American continent. Please do not use any of my work in any non-profit or for-profit project without first getting written permission from me. You can ask for permission by emailing me at webmaster@wildlifeofnorthamerica.info. All reproductions must bear an appropriate credit.




Canada Goose

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Seneca County, New York


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Owasco Lake Cayuga County, New York


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Stewart Park Tompkins County, New York


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Canada Goose Drawing by Louis Agassiz Fuertes