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Fast Facts:

Canada geese found in Canada and the northern United States usually migrate to more southern locations for the winter.

Canada Goose

Scientific Name	Branta canadensis
Status	The Canada goose population in the wild is considered stable.
Range	throughout North America
Habitat	wetland areas; ponds, lakes
Diet	In the wild, these birds eat aquatic plants, grasses, grains and insects.
Location
Print Fact Sheet	Canada Goose

Special Features

During times of migration, this variety of goose can be identified by its honking call and by its V-shaped flying formation.

Social Structure & Behavior

Breeding & care of young:
Canada goose pairs mate for life. Nesting begins in mid-February to late March. Nests are made near bodies of water and are fashioned from sticks and grasses and lined with down feathers. The female usually will lay between 4 and 7 eggs, which are incubated for 28 days.

Male geese, also known as ganders, are very territorial and help protect the female as she incubates the eggs. Once the eggs have hatched, both parents care for the goslings.