Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
Family Anatidae
Subfamily Anserinae

The most widespread goose in North America, the Canada goose is a familiar sight in parks, backyards, and nearly anywhere else it can find water and forage.

Identifying Traits (both sexes):

• Black, flattened bill
• Body brown with faint white striping above
• Underside paler; dusky brown on breast and white beneath tail
• Short, squarish black tail
• Neck and head entirely black, except for white “chinstrap” patches on face
• Flocks fly in V-shaped formation, calling loudly
• Size: 108 cm (43”)
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs.)

Voice: The call of the Canada goose is a loud honk, sometimes extended into two notes: ka-honk! or ka-ronk!

Habitat: Canada geese will live anywhere there is water.  They frequent lakes, bays, ponds, and rivers, as well as grazing in backyards and athletic fields.

Range: The Canada goose breeds in Canada and the northern U.S., with its range extending south along the Atlantic seaboard.  Canada geese migrate to Mexico in the winter.

Interesting Facts: While nesting and raising their young, Canada geese can be extremely aggressive.  They will often hiss threateningly at humans who approach too close, and if molested the birds will bite.