Fun Black Geese Facts For Kids
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Black geese, also famously known as the Canada geese (Branta canadensis), are known to be the largest geese in the world. The Canada goose or goose Branta is a unique species of geese that is majorly found in the arctic and temperate regions of North America.
The name of this species of goose comes from its distinguishable black color on the neck and the feet. They even have black bills, which is a unique part of their physical characteristic.
You will generally find black geese in fresh water and moving around in open lawns but what makes them unique, is that during migration they fly in a V formation. This sight is a treat to the eyes.
It is also quite easy to distinguish between a male goose Branta and a female goose branta, through their sound or call. A male goose Canada usually honks while a female goose Canada on the other hand hrinks.
If you enjoy reading about black geese here in Kidadl, you need to read about pelican and palm warbler.
Black Geese Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a black geese?
A black goose or a goose Canada (Branta canadensis) is a common species of bird that is found mainly in North America. This common species of goose is known to be the largest goose in the world.
The major difference between a Canada goose or a black goose and a normal goose is the coloration of the body- the head and neck and the feet areas of a Canada goose are black unlike most other species of goose.
What class of animal does a black geese belong to?
Black geese or Canada geese are species of birds that fall belong to the Anatidae family. The scientific or binomial name of this species of bird is Branta canadensis.
How many black geese are there in the world?
According to the statistics of the year 2000, it is estimated that there are around five million birds of this species.
Where does a black geese live?
Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are found breeding mainly in Canada and Alaska during summers but generally not in winter and during winter southern region of the USA or Mexico. They are identified as migrating birds in the southern tip of the USA that arrives from the North American region during wintertime.
Their habitat is not that widespread which makes them easy to spot.
What is a black geese's habitat?
You will find Canada geese (Branta canadensis) flocking mainly near water areas and fields which are filled with nutritious grass. You will find these birds in large populations in the Great Lakes region of North America. You will also notice Canada geese living in airports, parks, and golf courses.
Who do black geese live with?
The Canada geese or Branta canadensis is seen living in the city too, which makes them come in direct contact with human civilization. These migrating birds live in groups which are known as flocks.
How long does a black geese live?
A Black goose or Branta canadensis can live for around 10- 24 years.
How do they reproduce?
Branta canadensis is known to be monogamous. A male Canada goose and a female Canada goose usually mate throughout their life.
A goose of this species will only look for another mate only if the partner dies. To attract a female canada goose, male canada geese fight with each other and show aggressive behavior.
The male, which wins the fight, mates with the female. Usually, a female lays around six eggs in one nesting period. The female will make the nest near water areas and a place where she can have a clear view of its surroundings.
The male stays nearby to protect the female while the female takes care of the eggs till they hatch. The incubation period usually lasts for around 24- 32 days.
What is their conservation status?
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Canada geese (Branta canadensis) have been listed as Least Concern. Canada Geese are one of the most commonly found northern American birds.
The population of Canada geese is gradually increasing and has not been listed as endangered yet. But, according to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA), the Canada geese have been listed as a protected species.
According to the law, this bird can be only hunted during a particular period during the year. Recent studies say that there are roughly around 18000 Canada geese within the city.
Black Geese Fun Facts
What do black geese look like?
The Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are said to be the largest geese. They can be easily distinguished from other species.
Their unique coloration also gives them the name 'black and white geese'. Also known as the black brant geese, these birds are around 30-43 in (76.2-109.2 cm), in length and they have a wingspan of 50-73 in (127-185.4 cm).
The size of their wings makes them one of the strongest northern American migratory birds. The head and neck and the feet of the Branta canadensis are black in color. They have a short but strong black-colored bill.
The strong bill helps them hunt their food easily and it also helps them defend themselves from prey or other geese. They have a strong head which they use to fight other birds.
The color of their feathers is either black, gray, or brown. The small Branta canadensis, when born is gray in color, and then with time they have similar colored feet, and head and neck.
How cute are they?
The adult Branta canadensis can be quite intimidating as they are huge and they are one of the strongest waterfowl present in North America.
They are usually harmless and beware of them during the nesting season; both the male and female become extra protective about their unborn goslings. But, indeed, the white geese with black-tipped wings or white geese with black wingtips are really mesmerizing to watch when they are fly during migration.
These goslings are very cute and the beautiful gray color makes their baby form even cuter, unlike hornbills.
How do they communicate?
The male and the female have two distinguishable sounds to communicate. The call of the male is called honk, while on the other hand, the call of the female is called hrink. Both calls might sound similar but the duration of hrink is shorter and high-pitched compared to that of the honk.
How big is a black geese?
As stated earlier, the Branta canadensis is the largest species of geese. A Canada goose is a very powerful waterfowl. The wingspan of black geese is about 6 ft (1.8 m). A kelp goose is way smaller than them.
How fast can a black geese move?
Canada goose (Branta canadensis) is quite fast. When they migrate, they fly at a speed of 40 mph (64.3 kph) but if required they can even increase their speed to 70 mph (112.6 kph). Their walking speed and the speed at which they swim in water is unknown but their huge wingspan helps them fly quite a long-range.
How much does a black geese weigh?
The male Branta canadensis weighs around 5.7–14.3 lb (2.5–6.4 kg), while the female Branta canadensis weighs around 5.3–12.1 lb (2.4–5.4 kg). A toulouse goose is smaller than this large goose.
What are the male and female names of the species?
The male Branta canadensis is called a gander while the female Branta canadensis is called a goose.
What would you call a baby black geese?
A baby branta canadensis is called a gosling.
What do they eat?
The diet of Branta canadensis includes a lot of food. They are mainly herbivores but at times they eat small insects and fishes. They eat varieties of grass, beans, wheat, rice, various aquatic plants, seaweed, and algae.
Are they poisonous?
Canada geese (Branta canadensis) do carry parasites in their body. They spread these parasites through feces, bites, or nasal discharge. If a Canada goose bites, it can cause diarrhea and other infections. The presence of cryptosporidium and toxoplasmosis results in these infections.
Would they make a good pet?
It is not at all recommended to tame or pet a Branta canadensis. They are wild birds and they do show aggressive traits. They are extremely loud and tend to dirty their surroundings, too. And most importantly, recently the Federal Law has stated that possession of a Branta canadensis is illegal.
Did you know...
Canada geese (Branta canadensis) have sharp eyesight and that can help them see in night. They are known to have monocular vision.
In a day, a Canada goose can travel more than 621.3 mi (999.8 km).
There are around 11 subspecies of Branta canadensis.
Why is a black geese also called brent geese?
According to Norse, branta or brent means 'burnt.' The black color on the head and neck and the feet gives them the name brent (burnt) geese.
What is unique about the black geese?
One unique fact about black geese (Branta canadensis) is how they travel in a v-shaped formation during migration. And, their physical traits make them the largest species of geese.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these eastern towhee facts and black-and-white warbler facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable geese flying coloring pages.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
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