How to Identify aCanada Goose
Branta canadensis · 29.9–43.3 in (76–110 cm)
Male vs. female
Male
Brown body, black neck and head, white cheek patch (chinstrap), and a pale breast.
Female
Identical to the male but slightly smaller.
Male photo: Rror / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Second photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Field marks
- Black head and neck with a white chinstrap
- Tan-brown body, pale chest
- White rump band in flight
- Travels and honks in V-formation flocks
Similar species
What it sounds like
A deep resonant honking from males and a higher hink from females, often in call and response.
Behaviour that gives it away
Flies in a V so that each bird gains lift from the wingtip vortex of the one ahead.
Habitat & range
Parks, ponds, fields, golf courses, and marshes across North America — often year-round.
When you'll see it
Present all year in North America.
What it eats
Grasses, grain, and aquatic plants; grazes on lawns and farm fields.
Did you know?
Many populations have stopped migrating, settling year-round on city parks and suburban ponds.
Spot one yourself?
Point your camera at any bird and Aviarist identifies it in seconds — then logs it to your life list.
Get Aviarist on Google Play
More backyard birds
,_Lake_Victoria,_Christchurch,_New_Zealand_04.jpg){kind=link}
Other apps we make
