Branta Canadensis is the scientific name given to the Canada Goose and the genus name for this species is Branta due to the black plumage that distinguishes it from other goose species. In 1772, people gave the Branta Canadensis goose species the name Canada Goose and the name sticks till now.
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.
The Branta Canadensis is identifiable by its black neck and head mixed with white patches on their faces. The Canada Goose also has darker plumage which 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 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 throughout 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 nests are generally located in an elevated area near water. The female Canada Goose lays between 3-8 eggs every 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 is native to the arctic and temperate regions of North America. The species, however, has naturally found its way to Northern Europe, as well as Eastern Siberia, Japan and Eastern China. The Canada Goose has also been introduced by humans to other regions around the globe like New Zealand.
Often, these geese live close to water bodies like rivers, lakes, marshes and streams. This goose species usually prefers to live in these natural areas but human development has influenced the geese to live in towns. It is common for people to consider the large population of geese in towns as pests sometimes. The other places where you can find the geese living at, is in golf courses or the area surrounding the courses. This is a direct result of human interference.
The Canada Geese that 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.
The Canada Goose migrates in flocks and uses a V flying formation to ease the burden on the flock. The lead goose in the V formation alternates as it is the most strenuous position. The Canada Goose migrates in both the spring and the fall; however, the species spends less time in its winter grounds than in its summer home.
Lesser Canada Geese can be of curiosity to specialists as well as the general public. If you have not located the info you require yet, possibly you may by looking at our facts on Canadian Geese decoys.
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