Canada Goose
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
-This goose has a long black neck with a signature white chinstrap mark and is familiar and widespread (native to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, but have been introduced all over the world)
-There are several subspecies of this goose, differing in locations, sizes, plumages, and collars
-Thousands of these geese migrate from the south (where they reside during the winter) to the north after breeding each year, filling the skies with long V-formations
-They live in grassy fields and grain fields near water and are often found in cultivated lawns such as parks, residential areas, and golf courses
-They are ground foragers, feeding on grasses and seeds
-Males are known as “ganders” and pair monogamously for life
-Mating Season: April-May but will continue to June in colder climates
-At some point during the breeding season, the birds molt their feathers and are temporarily unable to fly
-A feather is a “dead” structure, made of the protein keratin. When they are damaged, they cannot heal themselves. Replacing feathers provides birds with a set of new, healthy feathers which helps in functionality and with attracting mates
-Females build nests with twigs and grasses and insulate them with feathers
-Offspring: 2-10 eggs, each egg laid about a day and a half apart
-Goslings are yellow with grey-green feathers
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
We have one male Canada goose. You will often find him sitting in a water bowl, cleaning his feathers.
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
-This goose has a long black neck with a signature white chinstrap mark and is familiar and widespread (native to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, but have been introduced all over the world)
-There are several subspecies of this goose, differing in locations, sizes, plumages, and collars
-Thousands of these geese migrate from the south (where they reside during the winter) to the north after breeding each year, filling the skies with long V-formations
-They live in grassy fields and grain fields near water and are often found in cultivated lawns such as parks, residential areas, and golf courses
-They are ground foragers, feeding on grasses and seeds
-Males are known as “ganders” and pair monogamously for life
-Mating Season: April-May but will continue to June in colder climates
-At some point during the breeding season, the birds molt their feathers and are temporarily unable to fly
-A feather is a “dead” structure, made of the protein keratin. When they are damaged, they cannot heal themselves. Replacing feathers provides birds with a set of new, healthy feathers which helps in functionality and with attracting mates
-Females build nests with twigs and grasses and insulate them with feathers
-Offspring: 2-10 eggs, each egg laid about a day and a half apart
-Goslings are yellow with grey-green feathers
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
We have one male Canada goose. You will often find him sitting in a water bowl, cleaning his feathers.