Southeast Birds

Identification

The canadian goose has a black head and neck sporting a white patch under his chin resembling a chinstrap. His chest is light brown or tan and he has a white rump with black tail feathers. His beak is black and his legs are grey.

The female is same as the male.

The babies, known as goslings, are brown and yellow.

They are big weighing about 8 to 15 pounds and are 30 to 45 inches in length. Their wingspan ranges from 50 to 70 inches.

Habitat

The Canadian Goose can be found all over the United States in winter, Northern United States and Southern Canada year round, and Canada in the summer. However, recently they have been seen all over the United States year round.

They are considered pests in most areas. They prefer wetlands such as ponds lakes rivers, saltwater, and sometimes backyard pools. These Geese can be rather aggressive, especially the male when protecting his territory.

family of geese

Diet

The Canadian Goose feeds on insects, small fish and aquatic plants when in water. On land they are known to eat many types of grass, and some green vegetation. Grains such as wheat, corn, barley, and beans are also included in their diet.

Facts

- Most Canadian Geese find a life mate during their second year.

- Both the male and female protect the clutch of 4 to 8 eggs.

- They loose their flight feathers for the 25 to 30 day incubation period.

- They fly in a “V” shaped flight pattern.

- Cackling Goose are derived from Canadian Goose but are considered a different species.

- They were nearly driven to extinction in the early 1900′s, but extremely successful programs have increased their numbers by leaps and bounds. Almost to a point of too successful as they are now a nuisance in residential areas.