The Canada goose is one of the most widely distributed waterbirds in North America. Geese can range in size from 22 to 48 inches from beak to feet and can weigh from three to 24 pounds. Large geese can have a wing span of six feet. The most identifying mark on Canada geese is the white cheek patch. Male (gander) and female (goose) look similar, however, the male is slightly larger.

Canada geese are known for their V-shaped flying patterns and honking sound. The migratory (moving from one place to another) flight of these birds signals the beginning of fall.

Canada geese develop strong bonds with mates and are very protective of their family group. Families migrate together. They stay together in the winter and return to the same nesting area each year. Yearlings (one year old) join other yearlings and move to new areas. Young geese will not find mates and nest until they are three years old.

Habitat & Habits

Canada geese build nests of twigs, grasses, bark, leaves and mosses on the ground near water. Five to six cream colored eggs are laid in March or later in cooler regions. Young geese, called goslings, weigh three to four ounces when they hatch. Within 24 hours they are swimming. Geese are precocial which means they are born with their eyes open, down covered and able to move about freely. Altricial birds like robins are born helpless and need parental support.

Canada geese communicate by using body language and a variety of calls and honking sounds.

Canada geese are herbivores. They feed most often during early morning and late afternoon. They are grazers which means they eat grasses. They eat a variety of terrestrial plants. They also eat aquatic (water) plants - that is what they are doing when you see them with their heads down in the water.

North American Range

The range of Canada Geese is along both coasts and throughout the central and lower United States.

History

When European settlers came to the New World, they brought with them knowledge of both tame and wild geese from their native lands. It was natural for them to add North American geese to their food supply.

In addition to providing food, goose feathers were used to make beds and goose grease was a valuable substance. It was used for both cooking and for medical uses. For example, it was blended with turpentine and rubbed on the chest to ease coughs and colds. It was also thought that it helped relieve earaches and soothe rheumatism.

Folklore tells us that when the meat on the goose's breast-bone was thick, it meant a cold winter was on the way. The saying "All is well and the goose hangs high," meant when the geese were flying high in the sky the weather would be good. The Native Americans thought that a harsh winter would be coming if the geese flew south in early August.