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Canadian Goose
The Canadian Goose is a type of wild goose that belongs to the genus Branta, native to the temperate and arctic regions of North America. It has a black neck and head, with white patches on the face, along with a brownish-gray body. There are various types of subspecies of the Canadian goose, as follows: Atlantic Canada goose, Interior Canada goose, Giant Canada goose, Moffitt's Canada goose, Vancouver Canada goose, Dusky Canada goose and the ones part of the "Lesser complex".
That black head and the neck with the white "chinstrap" are the two distinguishable features that separate the Canadian goose from the rest of the geese, except for the Barnacle goose. However, the latter has a black breast, while the body plumage is grey (rather than brownish). The specie varies in size from 30 to 43 inches long and has a wingspan of 50 to 71 inches. The male usually has a weight between 7.1 and 14 lb, and in defending territory is known to become very aggressive. As far as the female is concerned, it looks just about the same, but it is a little bit lighter, with a weight of 5.5 to 12 lb, plus it has a different honk.
Regarding the distribution and habitat of the Canada Geese, it is native to the North American continent and breeds in a variety of habitats in northern United States and Canada. The nests are in most cases located in an elevated area in the near vicinity of water, like lakes, streams or ponds. They lay the eggs in a rather shallow depression that is lined with plant material.
During the beginning of the 20th century, the populations declined due to loss of habitat and over-hunting. Thanks to the implementation of various preservation programs and improved game laws, the populations normalized in most of the areas. They have established permanent residences in Virginia's James River area as well as in the Chesapeake Bay, along with the Triangle area of North Carolina and near Hillsborough. They also have reached northern Europe on their own.
Similar to most of the geese species, the Canada goose is naturally migratory and the calls overhead from big groups of geese flying in "V"-shaped formation signals the transition into the spring and autumn. Due to modifications in food sources and habitats, in some specific areas, their migration routes have changed.
They find a mate during the second year of their existence and most of the couples stay together throughout their entire lives. If one of the partners is killed, the other one will find a new mate.
The female Canada goose lays from 3 to 8 eggs and both of the parents will protect the nest during the incubation phase which lasts for 24 to 48 days. The adults lose their flight capabilities for 20 to 40 days during the breeding season and regain their flight feathers just about the same time when their goslings learn how to fly.
The offspring will enter the fledging stage any time from at least 6 to 9 weeks of age and they will not leave their parents until after the spring migration.
In United States, the regular period for the Canadian goose hunting season is during September and the following months, but there are a few exceptions where the local authorities have problems with over populations, and they increase this period or set a different one for another month. You will have to check the local authorities in order to find out the precise period for hunting Canadian goose.
That black head and the neck with the white "chinstrap" are the two distinguishable features that separate the Canadian goose from the rest of the geese, except for the Barnacle goose. However, the latter has a black breast, while the body plumage is grey (rather than brownish). The specie varies in size from 30 to 43 inches long and has a wingspan of 50 to 71 inches. The male usually has a weight between 7.1 and 14 lb, and in defending territory is known to become very aggressive. As far as the female is concerned, it looks just about the same, but it is a little bit lighter, with a weight of 5.5 to 12 lb, plus it has a different honk.
Regarding the distribution and habitat of the Canada Geese, it is native to the North American continent and breeds in a variety of habitats in northern United States and Canada. The nests are in most cases located in an elevated area in the near vicinity of water, like lakes, streams or ponds. They lay the eggs in a rather shallow depression that is lined with plant material.
During the beginning of the 20th century, the populations declined due to loss of habitat and over-hunting. Thanks to the implementation of various preservation programs and improved game laws, the populations normalized in most of the areas. They have established permanent residences in Virginia's James River area as well as in the Chesapeake Bay, along with the Triangle area of North Carolina and near Hillsborough. They also have reached northern Europe on their own.
Similar to most of the geese species, the Canada goose is naturally migratory and the calls overhead from big groups of geese flying in "V"-shaped formation signals the transition into the spring and autumn. Due to modifications in food sources and habitats, in some specific areas, their migration routes have changed.
This type of goose is primarily an herbivore, but they are known to eat fish and small insects from time to time. Most of the period, they feed on grains, like corn, rice, beans and wheat, along with various types of grasses.
They find a mate during the second year of their existence and most of the couples stay together throughout their entire lives. If one of the partners is killed, the other one will find a new mate.
The female Canada goose lays from 3 to 8 eggs and both of the parents will protect the nest during the incubation phase which lasts for 24 to 48 days. The adults lose their flight capabilities for 20 to 40 days during the breeding season and regain their flight feathers just about the same time when their goslings learn how to fly.
The offspring will enter the fledging stage any time from at least 6 to 9 weeks of age and they will not leave their parents until after the spring migration.
In United States, the regular period for the Canadian goose hunting season is during September and the following months, but there are a few exceptions where the local authorities have problems with over populations, and they increase this period or set a different one for another month. You will have to check the local authorities in order to find out the precise period for hunting Canadian goose.
Canada Goose Video