The Canada goose (Branta canadensis) is a large bird,
measuring 36-40 inches (90-100 cm) in length. It is easily recognised from its
black head and neck, and white chin-patch. The sexes are alike. Juvenile birds
have duller chin-patches and more mottled upper parts than adults, but plumage
from the first winter resembles that of adults.
In flight, it is distinctive from its long neck and deep
wing-beats.
Despite their size, Canada geese can be unobtrusive when
resting or feeding. However, when alarmed one member of a flock may emit a
trumpet-like honking that is copied by all the other geese that then take wing,
continuing to call as they make for a neighbouring stretch of water.
The nest is a hollow in the ground lined with leaves, grass
and down. This is usually at the water’s edge or on an island in a lake. Five
or six creamy-white eggs are laid in April or May. The goslings can fly after
nine weeks, but the family unit stays together until the following spring.
Canada geese are present throughout the year in almost the
whole of England except for Cornwall. They are also seen much less frequently
in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
The first Canada geese were brought across the Atlantic in
the 17th century as decorative birds for lakes in the grounds of
large houses. It was later thought that they would make good subjects for
wildfowl shooting, but the bird’s attraction as a sporting target was severely
lessened by its tameness and habit of flying too low. This is probably why the
Canada goose has become as common a wild breeding bird as it now is.
© John Welford
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