Canada goose

Branta canadensis · The Canada goose is a large goose with a black head and neck and white cheeks, native to the Arctic and temperate regions of North America.

Also called Canadian goose, Greater canada goose.

Canada goose
Photo: Fabian Roudra Baroi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Canada goose
Photo: Paul Danese, CC BY-SA 4.0
Canada goose
Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae
GenusBranta
SpeciesBranta canadensis

Where it lives

Breeds from the Arctic to the central US; introduced to Europe and New Zealand.

Fun facts

  • An exceptionally large male giant Canada goose weighed 10.9 kg and had a wingspan of 2.24 m, making it the largest wild goose ever recorded of any species.
  • Canada geese communicate with ten different vocalizations, each used in response to a different situation.
  • Male Canada geese honk, while females make a shorter, higher-pitched call known as a hrink.
  • Flying in a V formation, geese take turns at the front because the lead position uses the most energy.

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).