Canada Goose
Image: Image taken by Alan D. Wilson, and modified by <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Diliff" title="User:Diliff">Diliff</a> (cropped and noise reduction applied). (CC BY-SA 2.5)
NameCanada Goose
Common NameCanada Goose
Scientific NameBranta canadensis
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)4500
Plumage DetailsFeatures a black head and neck with a prominent white 'chin strap' extending across the throat and cheeks. The body plumage is typically brownish-gray, with lighter underparts and a white undertail coverts. The tail and primary flight feathers are black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive loud, resonant 'honk' or 'ah-honk' call, often given in flight or as a warning. They also produce various clucks, hisses, and gaggles.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatslakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, fields, grassland, urban parks, golf courses
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south to the northern United States. Migratory populations winter in the southern United States and Mexico, while many resident populations exist throughout their range.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Black head and neck, White chin strap, Brownish-gray body, Loud honking call
Description
The Canada Goose is a large wild goose with a distinctive black head and neck, a white chin strap, and a brownish-gray body. They are highly adaptable birds, often seen grazing in open fields or swimming in various aquatic environments.
