- Goose (Branta canadensis) is one of the largest members of the Anatidae
(waterfowl) family.
- Males tend to be bigger than females though the two sexes' physical
traits are identical.
- Adult geese have grayish brown wings, backs, sides and breasts; black
tails, feet, legs, bills, and heads; and long black necks with distinctive
white cheek patches that usually cover part of the throat.
- A goose has a very strong neck so if you do want to carry one, pick
it up by the neck and put it under your arm.
- Geese are very hardy. They rarely catch diseases and hardly require
any care. They just need lots of water and room to roam.
- These birds generally begin nesting at the age of three and once
a mate has been chosen, the birds are monogamous for life.
- Each pair raises 4 goslings per year, so over a lifetime, a pair
may raise 32 to 40 goslings.
- Goslings, young geese, are a light yellow color with greenish-gray
heads when hatched.
- Geese are very cute when they're young (aren't all animals?) and as
a pet they make a great lawnmower and watchdog.
- Geese are also very noisy. A gander has a high, shrill voice, a goose
has a harsh, hoarse cry, and both have a reputation for fierce wing
flapping.
- Ganders are more aggressive than geese but usually only when protecting
eggs.
- Resident geese flight range: 100 -200 miles to find food, water,
and safety.
- Migratory geese do not become resident geese unless they are injured.
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