A honking force of nature, these large waterfowl are as much at home on suburban lawns as they are in wild wetlands.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Canada Goose is characterized by its large size, long neck, and distinctive coloration. Its body is primarily brown with a black head and neck, white cheeks, and a white chinstrap. The underparts are typically lighter, ranging from pale grey to white.

Both males and females share similar plumage, with males generally slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a duller coloration and less distinct white cheek patches.

Canada Geese have very similar plumage to the Cackling Goose, which is much smaller and has a shorter neck.

Size

Length

76cm to 110cm

Wingspan

127cm to 185cm

Weight

3kg to 9kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Black White

Secondary Colour

Buff Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Canada Geese are widely distributed across North America, from the Arctic tundra to subtropical regions. They thrive in various habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and, increasingly, urban areas with open water and grassy spaces.

While native to North America, introduced populations have been established in parts of Europe, including the UK and New Zealand. Many northern populations migrate to the southern United States and Mexico in winter.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 70
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 85

Diet

Canada Geese are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, aquatic plants, and agricultural crops. They also consume small insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, especially during breeding. Their adaptable diet has contributed to their success in urban environments.

Their strong, serrated bills are ideal for tearing grass and uprooting plants, but they also feed on softer aquatic vegetation.

Behaviour

Canada Geese are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks. They are known for their V-shaped flying formations during migration, which helps conserve energy.

On land, they graze in groups, with some individuals acting as sentinels to watch for potential threats.

Vocalisation

Canada Geese are known for their loud, resonant honking calls. Their vocalizations include a variety of honks, hisses, and grunts used for communication within flocks, during flight, and to signal alarm. The classic 'honk-a-lonk' call is often heard during migration.

Nesting & Breeding

Canada Geese typically form monogamous pairs that may last for life. Breeding occurs in spring, with timing varying by latitude. Pairs often return to the same nesting site each year.

Nests are usually built on the ground near water, constructed of plant material and lined with down. Females lay 2-8 cream-colored eggs per clutch.

Incubation lasts about 28 days, and it is performed solely by the female while the male guards nearby. Goslings are precocial and can leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching, staying with their parents for up to two months.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 10 - 25 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 42 years
0
11
22
33
44

years

The Canada Goose typically lives for 10 to 25 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 42 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the Canada Goose is not globally threatened, some populations face localized challenges.

In many urban areas, they are considered overabundant, leading to management efforts. Conservation focuses on maintaining healthy populations while mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

5,000,000 - 6,200,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Increasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Canada Geese near water bodies, including lakes, ponds, and coastal areas.
  • Listen for their distinctive honking calls, especially during flight.
  • Observe their behavior in urban parks, where they have become common residents.
  • In the UK and parts of Europe, watch for them as introduced species in similar habitats.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Canadian Goose, Honker

Family:

Anatidae

Predators

Adult Canada Geese have few natural predators, but eggs and goslings are vulnerable to coyotes, foxes, raccoons, large gulls, and birds of prey.

Did You Know?

  1. Canada Geese can fly at speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph) during migration.
  2. They have excellent memory and can remember migration routes and stopover sites for years.
  3. Despite their name, some populations of Canada Geese are non-migratory and remain in the same area year-round.
  4. There are anecdotal reports of captive Canadian Geese living for 80 years.

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References

  1. 1 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Branta canadensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22679935A131909406.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 2015: Wetlands International