Canada Geese
Branta canadensis
Natural Habitat
Found near water including lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes. They have adapted well to urban parks and golf courses.
Where I'm Found
Native to North America, breeding throughout Canada and the northern United States. They migrate south for the winter, ranging as far as Mexico, though resident populations now exist year-round in many urban areas.
Yellow = Summer Breeding
Green = Year-round Breeding
Blue = Winter Breeding
Purple = Cackling Goose Breeding
Source: Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Green = Year-round Breeding
Blue = Winter Breeding
Purple = Cackling Goose Breeding
Source: Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
What I Eat
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on land and in water.
- Wild: Grasses, sedges, aquatic plants, grains, and berries.
- Zoo: Waterfowl pellets, greens, and grains.
How Long I Live
- Wild: 10 – 24 years
- Captivity: 20 – 30 years
Fun Facts
- The “V” Formation: Flying in a V-shape reduces wind resistance, allowing them to travel up to 1,500 miles in a single day.
- Molting: During summer, they molt their wing feathers and are unable to fly for several weeks.
- Aggressive Parents: They are notoriously protective of their nests and will chase away animals much larger than themselves.
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