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Canada goose Facts

Canada goose Facts
Canada goose is large migratory bird. There are seven subspecies of Canada goose that are native to arctic and northern parts of North America. This animal has been introduced to temperate regions of Europe, Asia and New Zealand. Canada goose prefers habitats near the water, but it can survive in all habitats that provide enough food. It sometimes even occupies golf courses, beaches and parks. Canada geese were nearly extinct due to excessive hunting during the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Luckily, population of Canada geese returned to its original size after couple of years of captive breeding. In some parts of the world, Canada goose is treated as pest because it reproduces quickly, damages crops and pollutes urban areas with high quantities of droppings that are rich in bacteria.
Interesting Canada goose Facts:
Size of Canada goose depends on the subspecies. It can reach 30 to 43 inches in length and 7.1 to 14.3 pounds of weight. Males are slightly larger than females.
Head and neck of Canada goose are covered with black plumage. It has white patches on the face. The rest of the body is brown in color.
Canada goose has a wingspan of 50 to 73 inches.
Canada goose flies at the speed of 40 miles per hour during the migration, but it can accelerate to the speed of 60 miles per hour when it is threatened.
Canada goose is herbivore (plant eater). Its diet consists of grass, berries, grains and seed.
Canada goose migrates seasonally. It travels from north to south to avoid low temperatures and lack of food during the winter.
Canada geese can fly more than 1000 miles per day. They usually fly on the altitude of 3000 feet. Canada geese fly in the V-shaped formation.
Canada geese use body language and sounds for communication. They produce at least 10 different sounds. Males and females produce different honks.
Canada geese are aggressive by nature. They produce hissing sounds, spread their wings and attack intruder using the beak when they are threatened.
Young birds are often targeted by hawks, owls and turtles. Raccoons, foxes and bears attack nests and eat eggs.
Mating season takes place during the spring. Canada geese are monogamous birds (one couple mates for a lifetime).
Adult birds molt (lose their flying feathers) during the mating season. They are not able to fly until new feathers appear.
Female chooses location and builds nest near the water using the twigs, leaves and moss.
Female lays between 2 and 9 eggs (usually 5) and incubates them, while male protects the nest. Goslings hatch after 24 to 28 days. They are able to eat, walk and swim from the moment of birth. Young birds will begin independent life after first migration.
Canada goose can survive from 10 to 24 years in the wild.


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