Canada Goose

The Canada Goose is one of the most familiar and widespread waterfowl in North America, instantly recognizable by its black head and neck set off by a bold white chinstrap patch, brown body, and pale underside. Size varies considerably across the many recognized subspecies, from relatively small birds to some of the largest geese in the world.

Highly adaptable, Canada Geese thrive in a huge range of habitats from remote tundra to golf courses, city parks, and suburban lawns, and their V-shaped migratory flocks and loud honking calls are iconic sounds and sights of spring and fall across much of the continent.

Key field marks

• Black head and neck with a bold white chinstrap patch running under the chin
• Brown-gray body, paler breast, black legs and feet
• Large size (though variable by subspecies), long neck
• Flies in classic V-formation, giving loud honking calls

Similar species

The Cackling Goose, once considered the same species, is much smaller with a stubbier, more triangular bill and a shorter neck, though plumage pattern is nearly identical, making size and structure the best clues. The Brant is much smaller and darker, lacking the white chinstrap and instead showing a small white neck patch.

Canada Geese breed across a vast range spanning from the Arctic tundra to temperate wetlands, grasslands, and urban parks throughout Canada and the United States. Many populations are migratory, moving between northern breeding grounds and more southerly wintering areas, while other populations, especially in urban and suburban areas, have become largely non-migratory 'resident' geese that remain year-round near lakes, ponds, and mowed lawns.

Behavior

Canada Geese are highly social, forming large flocks outside the breeding season and flying in coordinated V-formations during migration to conserve energy. Pairs mate for life and are fiercely protective of nests and goslings.

Voice

Loud and familiar, the classic 'honk-a-lonk' call is heard year-round, along with a variety of hisses and grunts used in aggressive displays.

Feeding

Primarily grasses, sedges, and grains, grazed on land, along with aquatic plants; urban geese readily feed on lawns and agricultural fields.

Nesting

Nests on the ground, often on a slightly elevated site near water, sometimes on muskrat lodges or small islands; clutches typically number 4-7 eggs, and both parents defend the goslings vigorously.