One of the most well known of all waterfowl, the
Canada Goose is the most common of all wild goose species kept in
captivity and is often seen in the wild. In some parts of the US,
the Canada Goose has become a nuisance with large numbers
congregating in city parks and golf courses. The wild range is
large, breeding from the Aleutian Islands south into the United
States. Canada Geese are also year round, breeding residents in
many southern states and has been introduced into Britain, parts
of Europe and New Zealand.
Canada Geese are not picky when it comes to breeding. Nests are
either made on the ground close to water or in tubs placed on the
water. The breeding season begins in early April, when the pair
seeks out a spot for the hen to lay her clutch of six to ten
eggs. Incubation is done solely by the hen, with the gander
standing guard nearby. Incubation lasts 28 days, and the little
goslings are cared for by both parents. Although the goslings are
able to fly at two months of age, they remain together as a
family group during migration and through the Winter. Breeding
and egg laying occurs in the spring of the year. The Aleutian
Canada Goose is monogamous and mating pairs remain faithful until
one of the partners die. Both parents take responsibility in
building the nest and caring for the young. The incubation period
is 24-26 days. The clutch size is usually between 4-6 eggs. The
nest is normally built in inland meadows or marshes, sometimes
near inlets, and in bushy habitat near the sea. B. c.
leucopareia makes a nest by scraping a depression, then
incorporating dry grass, other herbaceous plants, moss, sticks,
and aquatic vegetation.
Branta canadensis leucopareia has a black head and neck marked
with distinctive white cheek patches that are generally separated
by a black band on the chin. It has a paler breast than the more
common B. canadensis. The Aleutian Canada Goose is
distinguished by a white neck ring, abrupt forehead, and a short
bill. In flight, B. c. leucopareia shows large, dark
wings, white undertail coverts, and a white U-shaped rump band.
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