Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

The Canada goose is a plump, long-necked waterfowl species with:

• A black head with a white "chinstrap" patch across the chin and cheeks.
• A long black neck and rounded black bill.
• A grayish-brown back and lighter underparts.
• A black tail with a white, U-shaped band on the rump.

Canada geese grow to an average of 45 inches, with a wingspan of about 68 inches. However, there is much size variation among the different Canada goose races.

Where does the Canada goose live?

Canada geese are abundant throughout the Bay region during the majority of the year.

• Canada geese can be found on open and shallow waters of the Bay and its freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers and reservoirs, as well as in fields and marshes.
• Most geese migrate to the Bay region in early autumn and remain through spring before returning to their northern breeding grounds.
• Local Canada goose populations exist year-round in parks, golf courses and other open areas throughout the watershed.

What does the Canada goose eat?

Canada geese feed on bay grasses in the Bay's shallows and corn and grains in upland fields. Usually one or more mature geese, called sentinels, will stand guard over others while they are feeding.

What does the Canada goose sound like?

Canada geese make a distinctive deep honking call.

Where does the Canada goose nest and breed?

Canada geese usually begin to breed in their third year. Most return to the Arctic to breed, though many stay in the Bay region year-round.

• Canada goose pairs, which mate for life, build a nest of reeds, grass and down, usually on the ground near water.
• The female lays between four and 10 eggs, which hatch after about a month.
• Young geese, called goslings, begin to fly after 40 to 70 days.

Other facts about the Canada goose:

• The Canada goose is the most widespread goose in North America.
• Flocks of Canada geese fly in wedge- or V-shaped formations, with older birds in front and younger birds in the back. The loud, honking flocks are often heard before they are seen.
• Scientists believe there are 10 to 11 various races of Canada geese.
• Canada geese take off from the water by running and flapping their wings; but when they are startled, they can actually jump from the water like some species of ducks.
• Canada geese can live for 20 to 25 years.