Canada Goose
Image: Paul Tavares (cc-by-nc)
NameCanada Goose
Common NameCanada Goose
Scientific NameBranta canadensis
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)5000
Plumage DetailsDark brown body plumage with lighter underparts, a black neck and head, and a distinctive white patch (chinstrap) extending from behind the eye across the throat. The tail is black, and the undertail coverts are white.
Vocalization / CallKnown for their loud, resonant honking calls, often given in flight or when alarmed. The calls vary in pitch and intensity, used for communication within the flock.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatslakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, agricultural fields, urban parks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to North America, breeding across Canada and the northern United States, and wintering in the southern United States and Mexico. Introduced populations exist in Europe.
Identifying Featuresblack head and neck, white chinstrap, brown body plumage, large size, loud honking call, V-formation flight
Description
The Canada Goose is a large, widespread goose species recognized by its distinctive black head and neck with a prominent white chinstrap. These highly adaptable birds are often found in large flocks, grazing in open areas or resting on water, and are well-known for their V-formation flights during migration.
