Native to North America, the Canada Goose is familiar and well-known for their strong, distinctive honks-called overhead by large flocks flying through the skies-signaling the advent of the spring and fall seasons. It is the most common waterfowl species on the North American continent, but unfortunately regarded as a pest in most areas of the country.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

This large waterbird has a black head and long, black neck that has a defining white throat patch extending up to its cheek, known as a "chin-strap". It has light tan to cream breast feathers and a brownish back with white undertail. This species is generally 76-110 centimeters with a 127-180 centimeter wingspan.

SUBSPECIES

At least eleven subspecies of this bird have now been recognized-all with varying sizes and plumage-but all but four are recognized as Canada Geese. The four smallest forms of these geese are now considered a different species: The Cackling Goose. Canada Geese generally get smaller in size as you move northward and darker in color as you go westward.

HABITATS

The Canada Goose is found exclusively in North America near waterways in open, grassy habitats such as grasslands, chaparral and arctic tundra. They are also quite common in man-made habitats that are open and grassy, such as golf courses, agricultural land, airports and city parks.

MATING AND FAMILY PATTERNS

The mating and family patterns of Canada Geese is very endearing. They find a mate during the second year of their lives, and are monogamous-most couples staying together all of their lives. The adults-both mom and dad-lead their goslings in a parade-line, one parent typically in the front and the other at the back of the line. When protecting their young, the parents often chase away creatures and humans that approach by giving off a hissing sound. Males (ganders) can be especially aggressive in defending their families, as well as their territories. His wings are capable of delivering blows of remarkable force, which he doesn't hesitate to use against anything or anyone approaching his feathered family or territory that he considers to be his own.

DIET

Their diet includes green vegetation (including a variety of grasses) and grains (wheat, beans, rice and corn). They typically grasp a blade of grass with their bill, quickly tearing it with a jerk of their strong head. When in water, they feed on silt and aquatic plants.

NESTS AND EGG INCUBATION HABITS

Canada Geese build their nests quickly and simply, using a variety of materials such as twigs, grass, moss and pine needs. Nests are usually elevated and near water. They've even been known to build their nests on a structure such as a Beaver's lodge! They line their nests with down and plant material, and then the female rounds out a curve or depression with her body. Usually 4-8 eggs are laid by the female, and both parents watch and incubate the eggs (25-28 days)-but the female typically spends more time at the nest than the male does. She turns the eggs often to keep them uniformly warm. Both adult sexes lose their flight feathers during the incubation period, so they cannot fly until after their eggs hatch.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C anada_Goose
http://nature.ca/notebooks/eng lish/cdngoose.htm
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/A llAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Canada_ Goose.html
http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/I nfocenter
http://animaldiversity.ummz.um ich.edu

Learn more about this author, Sheila-Ann Bender.
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