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Canada Goose

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Grassland, Wetland, Urban, Coastal
Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)
Lifespan: 12 years on average

A brown-backed, light-breasted goose with a black head and neck and white chinstrap and tail. They vary greatly in size from 4½ lbs. to 14½ lbs. Canada Geese breed across Canada and Alaska and winter mainly in the southern U.S. and Mexico, where they are firmly attached to certain breeding areas. Their V-shaped migrating flocks are a common sight in spring and fall.

Diet

Herbivorous and consists mainly of leaves, grass, seeds, berries, algae, and roots

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)
Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class: Aves
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Order: Anseriformes
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Family: Anatidae
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Genus: Branta
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Species: Branta canadensis

Scientific Name

Branta canadensis

Common Name

Canada Goose
Breeding Season
April-May
Migration Pattern
Migrate south in winter
Lifespan
12 years on average

Behavior

The v-formation used by Canada geese in flight is very energy efficient, as is flying with the wind. This arrangement during flight is called a "wedge" or "skein." The lead position in the "wedge" is rotated because it is the most taxing flight position in terms of energy usage. This technique allows Canada geese to cover up to 2,400 km in a single day of flight. Flocks of geese are often vocal and communicate with each other during flight.

Ecological Role

Outside of North America Canada Geese are considered pests and even invasive. Ecologically, Canada geese have been observed to drive away native ducks and swans from nesting areas due to the press of their greater numbers, and to overgraze the shoots and rhizomes of aquatic plants. Their droppings also contribute to eutrophication in water. They are also considered to be a potential agricultural and park pest due to their heavy grazing of vegetation.

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Grassland
Wetland
Urban
Coastal

Geographic Distribution

Canada geese are native to Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Although their range covers much of North America, Canada geese generally winter in the southern portion of the continent.

Local Abundance

Abundant

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
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  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
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