Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Canada Geese are a species that has adapted well to human presence, becoming a common resident of city parks and water bodies. Canada geese do migrate, but might be found wherever open water exists in the winter.  There's a huge disparity in size between the smallest and largest races of Canada Geese.  The smallest race, called the "Cackling Goose", isn't much bigger than a duck.

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, larger wetlands, marshes, city parks and ponds.  Often feeds in farm fields, especially in winter.

Diet: Primarily plant material such as grasses, aquatic plants, seeds, and berries.  Can rely quite heavily on waste grain during winter months.  Also eats some insects, small fish, and crustaceans. 

Behavior: Forages both on land and on water.  In water, swims on the surface, submerging its head and neck to obtain food.  Walks on land while foraging, and has learned to use agricultural fields for foraging.

Nesting: Late March through late May

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Canada Goose Song

Migration: Birds summering in Canada migrate south, but populations in the U.S. may or may not migrate depending on local circumstance.  They will overwinter if open water is available. 

Similar Species: Cackling Goose, Brant,

Conservation Status: Widespread and very common.  Numbers of Canada Geese today are undoubtedly much higher than they were prior to European settlement of North America, as they've adapted extremely well to a human presence, learning to take advantage of agricultural fields, and open water in winter as a result of human activity (near river reservoir dams, urban parks, warm water discharge from power plants, etc.).

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Canada Goose

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Canada Goose"

3) eNature.com: Canada Goose

4) Whatbird.com: Canada Goose

Photo Information: March 22nd, 2007 - Near Tea in Lincoln County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Canada Goose photos.