Home, near and far.
This species is widely distributed throughout North America, occurring in every Canadian province and most U.S. states, as well as parts of Mexico. Introduced populations can also be found in Europe and New Zealand.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Ducks, Swans, and Geese
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
The Canada Goose is a widespread and recognizable waterfowl species across North America, known for its distinctive appearance and vocalizations. Once a symbol of wilderness, this adaptable bird now thrives in diverse environments, including urban and suburban areas. Their V-formation flights are a classic sign of seasonal change in many regions.
Migratory, ResidentLarge-bodiedHonking callsHerbivorous
- Length
- 76-110 cm
- Wingspan
- 127-170 cm
- Weight
- 3000-9000 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Head and Neck
Black head and neck with a striking white patch covering the cheeks and throat, often called a 'chinstrap.'
- 02
Body Plumage
Body is typically brownish-gray, with a paler chest and white undertail.
- 03
Bill and Feet
Possesses a wide, flat, dark gray to black bill and black webbed feet.
- 04
Flight Pattern
Often observed flying in large flocks, forming a V-shaped pattern, especially during migration.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
Canada Geese utilize a wide range of habitats, always near water. These include lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, bays, and open fields. They are increasingly found in human-modified landscapes like city parks, golf courses, and agricultural fields.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Many populations are migratory, flying north in spring and south in fall, often in V-formations. However, some populations in the U.S. have become year-round residents, particularly in urban and suburban areas where open water and food are readily available.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Known for their loud, nasal honking calls, which are a familiar sound, particularly during migration. Different calls are used for communication within flocks and as alarm signals.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Primarily herbivorous, their diet consists mainly of plant material. They consume a variety of grasses, sedges, aquatic plants, seeds, and berries. During certain seasons, they also feed on cultivated grains like corn and wheat.
Canada Geese forage both on land and in water. On land, they graze in open fields and lawns. In water, they dabble to consume aquatic vegetation. They often feed in groups, especially in open areas where they can easily detect predators.
A place to begin.
Nests are typically built on the ground near water, often on elevated spots like small islands for better predator visibility. The female incubates 2 to 11 creamy white eggs for 28-30 days. Both parents tend to the goslings, which can swim within a day of hatching.
The little routines.
Canada Geese are highly social and monogamous, often mating for life. Family units frequently join larger flocks after breeding. Males are territorial and aggressively defend nests and goslings with hissing and charging displays.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
The oldest known wild Canada Goose lived to be at least 33 years and 3 months old.
At least 11 subspecies of Canada Goose are recognized, with variations in size and plumage color across their range.
The 'giant' Canada Goose subspecies (Branta canadensis maxima) was once thought extinct until rediscovered in 1962.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Cackling Goose
Branta hutchinsiiCackling Geese are noticeably smaller than Canada Geese, with a shorter neck and a stubbier bill.
Brant Goose
Branta berniclaBrant have a black head and neck that extends further down the breast, lacking the prominent white chinstrap of the Canada Goose. Some may have a small white neck patch.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.