The Canada goose is one of the most recognised geese in the UK, notorious for its loud honking noise.
'Goose' actually refers to female geese; males are called 'ganders'.
Canada goose facts
Scientific name: Branta canadensis
Family: Anatidae
Diet: Roots, grass, leaves, and seeds
Predators: Foxes
Size: 75-110cm, with a wingspan of up to 1.8m
Weight: 3-9kg
Lifespan: 10-25 years
About Canada geese
Originating from North America, the Canada goose might not be native, but it's our most familiar goose. They were first introduced to join King James II's waterfowl collection in St James' Park, London, in the 17th century.
We currently have more than 160,000 adults living in the UK. Forming noisy flocks, they regularly gather in large numbers in parks, lakes, reservoirs, and along our canals.
Canada geese and our canals
Our canals provide natural green spaces in urban and rural areas for geese to make their homes. You won't have to go far along a canal or river to see a Canada goose.
Canada geese are large birds with long black necks and heads. They have a white patch around the underside of the head. Their bodies are dark brown with brown-grey feathers and a cream breast. Females look similar but are slightly smaller.
Each goose has about 20,000-25,000 feathers. They're short and stubby to insulate from cold water. However, the bird will replace them each year. Moulting in the breeding season, Canada geese are grounded for three to five weeks and get their wings back around the same time as their goslings take flight.
Brown-grey feathered with a black head and white chin, a Canada goose stands tall by the canal.
What do Canada geese eat?
Canada geese are herbivores, mainly eating green vegetation, grains, and water plants. They eat grass by grasping the blade with their bills and tearing it with a jerk of their heads. Occasionally, they'll also eat small insects and fish.
Canada geese are monogamous and generally mate for life. They pair up when they're about two years old and might find another mate if one dies. These birds practice assortative mating, meaning they choose mates of a similar size.
Females lay around five eggs in their nest, which is protected by both parents. They typically build their nests by water – you might find one along the canal. However, geese can be very territorial and turn aggressive if you get too close.
After incubation, lasting about a month, goslings hatch and are immediately able to walk, swim, and find food.
Where do Canada geese live?
Canada geese are found up and down our network in towns, cities, and the countryside. They're well adapted to living in urban areas. Canals offer a safe body of water near food sources.
Most European Canada geese are not migratory, spending their winters in the UK.
They can be seen throughout the UK and at all times of the year. Canada geese love water, so lakes, reservoirs, canals, and rivers are great places to spot them, as well as parks.
Given their abundance today, you might think it strange that Canada geese were ever uncommon in the UK. However, until the mid-twentieth century, they were a relatively rare sight. The population grew from around 4,000 in 1953 to 82,000 in 1999 and has since doubled.
