The Canada Goose is scientifically referred to as the Branta Canadensis. The species belongs to the genus Branta due to its black plumage which distinguishes the goose from other species. The Branta Canadensis was first known as a Canada Goose in 1772 and the name has been common since that time.

The Branta Canadensis species has at least seven unique variations of subspecies that are generally similar but the birds differ in size to a large extent. It is sometimes confusing for people to distinguish between the geese of the Branta Canadensis species, which are a smaller subspecies and the goose that cackles.

The Branta Canadensis is identifiable by its black head and neck blended with white patches on their faces. The Canada Goose also has darker plumage that is commonly brownish or grey. The species has experienced a stable or growing population recently as once the geese reach adulthood they are rarely preyed on. The Canada Goose is a herbivore; although, the birds will occasionally eat the rare fish or insect. Commonly though, the Branta Canadensis’ diet consists a variety of grasses and grains, as well as aquatic plants like seaweeds.

The Branta Canadensis species is very social and the geese commonly live in families. They usually find a mate when they reach age two and stay with their partners as long as they live. They usually protect their nests and their young together in the incubation period and in the period when their goslings are still young.

The nests are usually situated in an elevated area near water. The female Canada Goose lays between 3-8 eggs each year. During the incubation period the parents cannot fly as the geese lose their flight feathers. Once the goslings are born the parents still protect their young, as it is common to see the goslings being led in a line with one parent at each end.

The Branta Canadensis originated from North America’s temperate and arctic regions but it is now common to see the species in other regions including Eastern China, Japan, Northern Europe and Eastern Siberia. You can also find this goose in other world regions like New Zealand as a result of human introductions.

The main areas to find these geese are near water bodies including lakes, rivers, streams and marshes and this species typically likes this natural habitat. Even so, you will find the species living in cities due to the developments made by humans. You will find very many geese of this species living in towns in a way that people consider them to be pests sometimes. Due to the interference of humans, you will find certain flocks of geese living permanently especially in golf courses or close to them.

The Canada Geese which do not establish permanent residences migrate every fall and spring. In the migration period the Branta Canadensis usually has established rest stops to alleviate the burden of travel.

When migrating, the Canada Goose flies in a flock that looks like a V to reduce the burden the that it has to bear. The goose that leads in the V formation changes its position for that is the most tiring position. Canada Geese migrate in the seasons of fall and spring but they stay for a shorter time in their winter grounds when compared with their homes in the summer.

Lesser Canada Goose Is really a issue of curiosity to many. Should you have not located the info you need yet, possibly you can by looking at our guide to Guided Canadian Goose Hunting .

Tags: , , , , , , ,