Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Order: ANSERIFORMES
Family: ANATIDAE
AREA OF ORIGIN: North America
Diet: GRASSES – HERBS – AQUATIC PLANTS

The Canada Goose is a species of waterfowl. Its body feathers are grayish to brown, while the head and neck are black. It has a white chinstrap. Branta canadensis can reach a body length of 94 cm to 99 cm. This species has been introduced in Europe (Schaefer 2018) and is the largest goose species found here. It is originally native to North America. The Canada Goose is commonly found near water and utilizes habitats such as fields, marshes, coasts, and parks (Peterson et al. 1993).

Diet: Branta canadensis is primarily herbivorous (Cadieux et al. 2005). Its main food consists of grasses, but it also consumes aquatic plants and herbs.

Threat Status: According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Canada Goose is classified as “least concern.”

Exemplary Sources
  • Cadieux, M et al. (2005)
    Feeding Ecology of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis interior) in Sub-Arctic Inland Tundra During Brood-Rearing. In: Auk. 122 (1), S. 144–157.
  • Peterson, R et al. (1993)
    A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
  • Schaefer, M (2018)
    Brohmer – Fauna von Deutschland. Ein Bestimmungsbuch unserer heimischen Tierwelt: Quelle & Meyer Verlag GmbH & Co.