CANADIAN GOOSE FACTS

Are there different types of Canada Geese?
While they may look very similar, there are several different races of Canada goose. In fact, most scientists believe that there are as many as eleven different races.

What do they look like?
Generally speaking, Canada geese have a greyish-coloured body with a long black neck and head. On their faces, they have white cheek patches. Both males and females look alike.

Canada geese come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The smallest is the Cackling Canada goose, which weighs in at as little as 1.1 kilograms and has a wingspan of about 90 centimetres. The largest, the Giant Canada goose, can get as large as 8 kilograms and a wingspan of 2 metres.

Where do they live?
Although they are named for Canada, Canada geese are found all over North America at various times of the year. In the summer, Canada geese make their homes throughout most of Canada, Alaska and the northern United States. Some northern populations even make the trip over to Greenland!

In the winter, most Canada geese seek warmer climates. While many do winter in southern Canada, most make their way to the mid and southern United States. Some even go the extra mile and fly all the way to northern Mexico!

In terms of habitat, Canada geese use different habitats for different reasons. They tend to like low areas with lots of open water, which provides them with safety from predators.

For nesting, Canada geese like upland areas near water. Quite often, they will nest on an island.

What do they eat?
Canada geese eat a lot. Usually they will spend up to 12 hours a day feeding to take in the nutrition that they need. They usually graze on grasses, roots, leaves and other plant materials, but they also spend time in fields feeding on waste crops and grain.

Before the spring and fall migrations, Canada geese will eat even more to build up the fat reserves they need to make the long trips. This is especially true for females in the spring, as they need enough fat to make the migration, produce a clutch of eggs and survive the incubation period with little food.

When and how do they migrate?
Canada geese usually start migrating south when the ground begins to freeze in the fall. The trip to the wintering grounds is a quick one—scientists have tracked geese that have flown up to 1,000 km in one day!

Spring migration is a different story. Starting in late winter, the geese make several stops along the way to feed and rest before reaching their breeding grounds throughout Canada.

Scientists believe that the characteristic “v-shaped” flock of geese migrating serves two purposes. First, it creates a current of air along the lines of geese that makes it easier for individuals to fly. Second, it may allow for better communication and unity of the flock while in the air.

How do Canada Geese communicate?
While many people only hear the trademark “honk” when geese make noise, there is evidence that Canada geese can communicate with different sounds. Scientists believe that there are as many as 13 different Canada goose calls for things like greetings, warnings and contentment.

Canada geese may be one of the most talkative animals after humans. Goslings, or baby geese, begin communicating with their parents while still in the egg! Once hatched, there is also evidence that they respond differently to different calls and noises from their parents, indicating a sophisticated level of communication.

Canada geese are one of the most family-oriented waterfowl species. here, a mother goose rests with her brood of goslings.
When do they breed?
Generally speaking, Canada geese do not breed until they are two or three years of age. Breeding takes place earlier in the year than it does for most birds so that their young hatch right when the plant food they need is in its prime.

When it comes time to choose a nesting site to lay the eggs, the female always returns to the same area where her parents nested. While there are exceptions, females will usually return to the same nesting area every year.

Do Canada geese form families?
The Canada goose is a very family-oriented bird. Usually in their second year of life, Canada geese find a mate and stay together for life. However, if one mate dies, the other will re-mate.

Breeding takes place earlier in the year, with nesting usually happening from late March to early May. Once the eggs are laid, the female incubates them until they hatch around 28 days later.

During the nesting and incubation period, the male stays near the nest and keeps a close eye on the female and the eggs. If a predator should threaten them, the male will attempt to protect the nest by luring the predator away.

How do Canada geese raise their young?
Once the goslings hatch, both their parents raise them. The family spends all of its time together. Goslings usually stay with their parents for a full year after they hatch.

Soon after the goslings hatch, the female leads her young family to water. With the female in the lead and the male in the rear, a Canada goose family looks like a company of recruits on the march!