Canada GooseCanada Goose -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 24 - 45 inches | Wingspan: 60-75 inches | Seasonality: All Seasons |
| ID Keys: Distinctive, with black head and neck and white chin-strap | ||
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
Another species that has adapted well to human presence, becoming a common resident of city parks and water bodies. Canada geese do migrate, but might be found wherever open water exists in the winter. There's a huge disparity in size between the smallest and largest races of Canada Geese.
Habitat: Lakes, ponds, larger wetlands, marshes, city parks and ponds. Often feeds in farm fields, especially in winter.
Diet: Primarily plant material such as grasses, aquatic plants, seeds, and berries. Can rely quite heavily on waste grain during winter months. Also eats some insects, small fish, and crustaceans.
Nesting: Late March through late May.
Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map
Song: Canada Goose Song
Migrations: Birds summering in Canada migrate south, but populations in the U.S. may or may not migrate depending on local circumstance. They will overwinter if open water is available.
Similar Species: Brant
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Canada Goose
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Canada Goose"
Photo Information: December 2nd, 2000 -- Gravel pit in Brandon -- Terry L. Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Canada Goose photos.
|
|
| South Dakota Status: Common summer resident throughout most of the state. Common in winter as well provided open water is nearby. |
Proud Member Of:
Click here for other references used to compile this page
Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
