Canada Goose

Canada Geese are one of the largest of the geese family, with a black neck and head, white chin, brown body, and webbed feet. They are known for honking loudly to communicate with one another and flying in "V" formation flocks. A female is referred to as a goose while a male is called a gander.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Branta canadensis
CLASSIFICATION
Bird
LIFE SPAN
10-24 Years
SIZE
30-43” | 5-14lbs
STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
  • State Protected
FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
GAME STATUS
Game
GAME TYPE
Waterfowl
  1. Washoe
  2. Humboldt
  3. Pershing
  4. Churchill
  5. Mineral
  6. Lyon
  7. Douglas
  8. Carson City
  9. Storey
  1. Elko
  2. Lander
  3. Eureka
  4. White Pine
  1. Esmeralda
  2. Nye
  3. Lincoln
  4. Clark
  • Agricultural Lands
  • Developed Landscapes

Threats

  • Disease

Natural History

Canada Geese primarily feed on vegetation such as algae, leaves, grass, seeds, and berries, but occasionally consume insects and small fish. Canada Geese form bonded pairs and will stay together for years. Females often have a preferred mating site that they return to each season. They lay two to ten eggs and incubate for approximately 30 days. Canada Geese in the northern United States migrate long distances south for winter, while geese already residing in the south and warmer regions migrate shorter distances, if at all. When migrating, they fly up to 40 mph and can travel up to 1,500 miles in a single day.

Fun Facts

Goslings are very impressionable and will follow nearly any animal that moves, including humans, mistaking it for their mother.