Thursday, August 29, 2013

Essential Info About North American Geese

By Robert Ford


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

The Branta Canadensis species also has a minimum of seven different types 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.

You can identify the Branta Canadensis as it has black head and neck and some white patches on the face. This goose also has a plumage that is darker and appears grey or brownish. The population of Canada Goose is growing or stable for the reason that the birds are rarely hunted after they become adults. The main diet of these geese includes many types of grains and grasses in addition to plants that grow in the water like seaweeds. Therefore, these birds are mainly herbivorous even though they consume insects or rare fish sometimes.

The Branta Canadensis is a highly social species that spend their lives in a family setting. In the second year of life the Canada Goose finds a mate, which they will stay with for the rest of their lives. Canada Geese work together to defend their nests and their goslings throughout the incubation period and into the early years of the goslings live.

The Canada Goose usually makes its nests in high areas near to water. The females lay between three to eight eggs each year and they can't fly during the period of incubation because of the flight feather loss that happens during this period. The parents offer protection to their young after they are born and you can commonly see them lead the goslings in a line. One parent usually leads them and the other follows.

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

The geese commonly are found near water including streams, lakes, rivers, and marshes. The Canada Goose prefers this natural habitat, however, human development has led the species to reside in cities. The population has grown in these urban areas to the point where the species is seen as a pest sometimes. Human interference with the Canada Goose has also led to some flocks establishing a permanent residence, particularly in or around golf courses.

You will find that the Canada Geese that are unable to live in certain area permanently participate in migratory activities in the fall and spring seasons. While they migrate, the Branta Canadensis species usually establishes resting areas to make the burden of travel easier.

When migrating, the Canada Goose flies in a flock that appears like a V to lessen 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.




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