Canada Goose

The Canada Goose is native to North America but has established large, often resident feral populations in Europe and elsewhere following introductions. It is a highly adaptable species, equally common on wild lakes and manicured urban parks.

The neck and head feathers of a Canada Goose are black, broken by a striking white patch running from the chin up across the cheeks - the single most reliable identification feature of the species. Body feathers are brown to greyish-brown with pale fringes giving a scaled appearance on the back and flanks, while the breast is paler buff-brown. Undertail covert feathers are white, contrasting with the black tail. Flight feathers are uniformly dark brown to blackish, strong and moderately broad, typical of a goose built for sustained flight.

Sexes look alike, with males averaging slightly larger. Subspecies vary considerably in overall size and depth of body color, from small, dark forms to large, pale ones. Juveniles resemble adults fairly closely but with slightly duller feather edges. Adults undergo a complete molt after breeding, becoming flightless for several weeks.

Canada Geese use a very wide range of open water and grassy habitats, including lakes, rivers, farmland, golf courses, and urban parks, needing only water for safety and short grass or grain fields for grazing. Native to North America, the species is either migratory or resident depending on the population, while introduced populations in Europe and elsewhere are largely resident and non-migratory.

Canada Geese feed mainly by grazing on grasses, grains, and aquatic vegetation, often in large flocks outside the breeding season, and are well known for flying in V-formation skeins while giving loud, honking calls. Pairs are highly territorial and can be aggressive when defending nests or goslings. Nests are built on the ground, often on islands or banks close to water. IUCN status is Least Concern.