Fun Facts:
Canada Geese pairs often stay together for life.
At some point during the breeding season, the adults molt their feathers and are temporarily not able to fly, which lasts for about a month and makes them vulnerable to predators.
Males can be aggressive when protecting their family during the mating season.
The v-formation during flight is very energy efficient and the lead position is rotated between geese because of the enormous amount of energy it takes to be in the lead.
Groups of geese can travel almost 1500 miles in one day of flight.
A lack of predators in urban areas, combined with a lot of manicured lawns gives geese an environment they love.
Migration is taught by the parents, so if the parents do not migrate, the young will not either.
Canada geese are herbivores who eat mostly leaves, grass, seeds, roots, algae and berries.
They can go up to 30 days without food if the environment prevents them from getting any!
At some point during the breeding season, the adults molt their feathers and are temporarily not able to fly, which lasts for about a month and makes them vulnerable to predators.
Males can be aggressive when protecting their family during the mating season.
The v-formation during flight is very energy efficient and the lead position is rotated between geese because of the enormous amount of energy it takes to be in the lead.
Groups of geese can travel almost 1500 miles in one day of flight.
A lack of predators in urban areas, combined with a lot of manicured lawns gives geese an environment they love.
Migration is taught by the parents, so if the parents do not migrate, the young will not either.
Canada geese are herbivores who eat mostly leaves, grass, seeds, roots, algae and berries.
They can go up to 30 days without food if the environment prevents them from getting any!
Benefits:
They distribute seeds from the plants they consume, benefitting ecosystems.
Challenges:
Canada Geese can carry parasites.
They can defecate on lawns.
Their fecal matter can cause issues for water sources.
They can defecate on lawns.
Their fecal matter can cause issues for water sources.
Tips for living alongside them:
Don't feed geese. Bread and other human food can cause many health problems.
There are humane dog services to keep geese away from some areas if their numbers and defecation are a problem.
There are humane dog services to keep geese away from some areas if their numbers and defecation are a problem.
range and habitat
They live throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Canada Geese prefer open, grassy habitats, especially near water.
Canada Geese prefer open, grassy habitats, especially near water.
sources
Kauffman, K. (n.d.) Canada Goose. Audubon. Accessed March 19, 2023. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/canada-goose
Titchenell, M., Lynch, W. (2010). Coping with Canada Geese: Conflict Management and Damage Prevention Strategies. Ohio State University Extension. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/W-3
Titchenell, M., Lynch, W. (2010). Coping with Canada Geese: Conflict Management and Damage Prevention Strategies. Ohio State University Extension. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/W-3
