The Branta canadensis, also called the Canadain Goose, is a common bird with a wingspan of 50 to 68 in. across. It weighs from about 2 to 17 lbs, and its length is from 35 to 78 in. It has a black neck, bill, and head with a white strap under the chin called a chinstrap, and it has several spots of white around its body. The body is usually brownish-gray but it may be different in some of the subspecies. It lives mostly in North America and in a few places in Canada. It likes to live in waterways and in open grassy habitats. They like to live in places like parks, airports, golf courses, etc. If you go to the park you will probably see many of them swimming around in the water.

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These are very common birds so it will be very unexpected if they happen to become extinct. There was a time before when they almost did become extinct, because hunters were over hunting them. Then in 1918 a Bird Treaty was passed and spring shooting was banned in the United States and Canada, but now their population has grown a lot over the pass several years.

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Humans aren't the only predators these geese have. They have many other predators including gulls, ravens, crows, skunks, and dogs. To avoid being eaten males send out an alarm by flying up into the air and honking as a predator is approaching.

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Interesting Facts: They can make over ten different vocal sounds. They do body movements to communicate to each other. They flap their wings to scare away predators.

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Author: Jennifer V

Published: 02/2007

 

Bibliography: "Branta canadensis" (Canada Goose) March 12, 2000

 

PhotoCredit: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/d_chalfant/pcd3910_066.jpg/view.html