Canada Goose Bird Facts (Branta canadensis)

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

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Canada Goose can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Canada Goose can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Canada Goose can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Canada Goose is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Canada Goose. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Austria Belgium Canada Cayman Islands Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Germany Haiti Mexico Netherlands Norway Puerto Rico Russia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Sweden The Bahamas The United Kingdom Turks and Caicos Ukraine

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Faroe Islands Finland Greenland New Zealand United States of America

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

France Poland

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Australia Belarus Bermuda Bulgaria Iceland Jamaica Japan Kiribati Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg North Korea Portugal Russia Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Canada Geese display considerable agility in flight, capable of swift manoeuvres and precise landings. Their ability to navigate complex urban environments and perform intricate flight patterns during migration demonstrates their nimbleness.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

These large waterfowl possess significant strength, evident in their ability to carry their substantial body weight (up to 9 kg) during long-distance flights. Their powerful wings and robust build contribute to their formidable presence.

Adaptability 90

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Canada Geese exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to urban parks. Their flexible diet and ability to adjust to human-altered landscapes have led to their widespread success and population growth.

Aggressiveness 65

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Whilst not typically aggressive, Canada Geese can display territorial behaviour, especially during nesting season. They are known to vigorously defend their nests and young, sometimes confronting perceived threats with hissing and charging.

Endurance 85

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The endurance of Canada Geese is impressive, particularly during migration. Their ability to fly at speeds up to 70 km/h over long distances, coupled with their capacity to remember and revisit migration routes, showcases their exceptional stamina.

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.

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

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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

Average Lifespan

10 to 25 years

Max Lifespan

42 years

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?

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