Canadian Goose

Branta canadensis

The Canada goose is a large wild goose species with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. They are native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, its migration occasionally reaches northern Europe. It has been introduced to parts of Europe and South America. Like most geese, the Canada goose is primarily herbivorous. It tends to be found close to fresh water, living in wetlands, ponds, rivers, and lakes. The black head and neck with a white "chinstrap" distinguish the Canada goose from all other goose species Canada geese range from 30 to 43 in in length and have a 50–73 in wingspan.

The male Canada goose usually weighs 5.7–14.3 lb, averaging amongst all subspecies 8.6 lb. The female looks virtually identical, but is slightly lighter at 5.3–12.1 lb, averaging amongst all subspecies 7.9 lb, and generally 10% smaller in linear dimensions than the male counterparts. It breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population of Canada geese. Canada geese occur year-round in the southern part of their breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the southern United States and northern Mexico, Canada geese are primarily present as migrants from further north during the winter.