Canada Goose, Branta canadensis
Canadian Goose, Branta canadensis. Birds photographed in the greater Stockholm area, June 2022. Photographs and identifications courtesy of Marina Sutormina, Stockholm, Sweden.
Canadian Goose, Branta canadensis. Photographs taken on a golf course in the greater San Diego, California area.
Background and Identification
The Canada Goose, Branta canadensis, is a member of the Anatidae family of geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. This family comprises one hundred and fifty species, and most members are frequently encountered in the wild worldwide. The Canada Goose is one of the most recognizable and widespread waterfowl species in North America, although hybridization occurs in some parts of its geographical range with the Aleutian Cackling Goose, Branta hutchinsii leucopareia, creating individuals that have slightly altered characteristics. More information on this hybridization can be found in the “common misidentifications” section of this write-up. The Canada Goose has a strong, honking call that is familiar to many and is often associated with the sounds of autumn. Their flight in a V-formation is a common sight during migration, which helps them conserve energy and communicate during long flights. They are highly social birds and are usually seen in flocks. In Mexico they are known as Barnacla Canadiense Grande.
These large birds are known for their distinct black head and neck, white chinstrap, and brownish-gray body. Adults have a white cheek patch and white undertail. Adult Canada Geese typically range from 76 cm (2 feet 6 inches) to 1.10 m (3 feet 7 inches) in length, with a wingspan of up to 1.83 m (6 feet 0 inches). Chicks are fluffy and yellowish, with black legs and bills. As juveniles molt, they go through a completely grey plumage stage before they begin to get their black head/neck, and white cheek patch.
Habitat and Geographical Range
The Canada Goose is commonly found in wetlands, lakes, ponds, rivers, and coastal areas. Due to their adaptability, they are also frequently found in urban and suburban areas, particularly near golf courses, parks, and agricultural fields where they can graze on grass and crops.
This species is highly migratory, with a geographical range extending across the North American Continent, from the Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska where they breed to as far south as Mexico during the winter. Some populations have been observed as non-migratory, observed year-round in temperate regions of the United States.
Common Misidentifications
The Canada Goose can sometimes be confused with other similar species of geese, such as the Aleutian Cackling Goose, Branta hutchinsii leucopareia. The Aleutian Cackling Goose is smaller, with a shorter neck and bill, and has a higher-pitched call compared to the Canada Goose. At least 11 subspecies of Canada Goose have been recognized globally, although only a couple are distinctively different. The four smallest forms (subspecies) are now considered Cackling Goose. In general, the geese get smaller in the North and have darker plumage in the West.
Conservation Status
From a conservation perspective the Canada Goose is currently considered to be of Least Concern with extremely large and stable population. In most areas of its range, it is considered a pest. In urban areas, these geese damage lawns, parks, and golf courses. Their droppings can also lead to water quality issues in certain areas. Management strategies have been implemented in some regions, particularly the Midwest of the United States to control their populations and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.