Written By John Bradley
Canada Geese may be seemingly everywhere now, but in the early 1900s, their numbers had been decimated due to habitat loss and hunting. Today there are more than 5 million Canada Geese across North America thanks to conservation efforts and regulations.
In 2004, the American Ornithologists’ Union split the Canada Goose into two species: Canada Goose and Cackling Goose. Once considered a Canada Goose subspecies, the Cackling Goose looks almost identical to the Canada save for its smaller size, stubbier bill, and other key distinguishing features.
There are seven recognized subspecies of Canada Goose. The biggest of them is Branta canadensis maxima, or the giant Canada Goose. Among the largest waterfowl in the world, the giant Canada Goose subspecies was once widely thought to be extinct until a small population was rediscovered in Rochester, Minnesota in 1962.
Canada Geese practice assortative mating, seeking out partners who are similar in size. They also stick to one mate for life, with adult birds waiting until they are at least two years old to seek out partners.
Goslings—the name for goose chicks—can learn to swim within one day of being born. As they get older, they sometimes form groups with other goslings called gang broods. The gang brood travels and feeds together under the watchful eyes of the parent geese.
Notoriously aggressive, Canada Geese won’t back down when they feel threatened.
Canada Geese typically forage in groups and on land, where they mostly feed on a wide variety of plant material, including grass stems and shoots, sedges, and seeds and berries. In the water, the birds eat aquatic plants and the occasional crustacean, mollusk, or fish. During migration, Canada Geese are often found in agricultural fields, where they feast on a whole host of cultivated grains.
The distinctive V-pattern Canada Geese fly in while migrating actually has a purpose—it helps the birds maintain their energy and improves communication. Each bird flies above the bird in front of them to reduce wind resistance. And being able to see the other birds aids overall coordination. When the lead bird gets tired, it moves to the back of the group for a much-deserved rest.
