Fun Goose Facts For Kids

Canadian geese are a peculiar type of geese owing to their striking appearance and migration habits. Despite being native to the northern part of the continent of North America, primarily to Canada, these birds, in migratory seasons, will fly as far as the European continent. These birds, thanks to their adaptability in water and on the land, and their ability to adapt to living in and near places that are heavily populated with humans, are growing in numbers and are most certainly not in any immediate dangers of Extinction, but as a species, they are definitely an interesting one. The waterproof feathers of these waterfowls allow them to stay for long durations in the water without any damage being caused.

There are many types of geese found, including Canada goose, Egyptian goose, golden goose, grey goose, snow goose, blue goose, white goose, wild goose, African goose, Chinese goose, and many others.

Read along to learn some interesting facts about these birds. After reading these goose facts, you may also read short-eared owl facts and barn owl facts. 
 

What type of animal is a goose?

Canada goose is essentially a bird belonging to the biological family of Anatidae and is scientifically referred to as Branta canadensis. The Canada goose has been observed to be the largest in the family of geese all across the globe. Not only can these Canadian geese fly long distances during their migratory periods but these large waterfowls can also swim, thanks to their evolutionary adaptations, and are quite adept at pursuing food in the water.

What class of animal does a goose belong to?

A Canada goose belongs to the Class Aves; that is organisms that are recognized by the presence of feathers and modification of forelimbs into wings.

How many geese are there in the world?

At the beginning and in the middle of the 20th century, Canada geese were on the verge of extinction in their native lands of North America, extending to Canada. However, todays numbers tell aviculturists and ecologists an entirely different story regarding the conservation status of Canada geese. The drop in their global populations in the 20th century was largely attributed to their hunting by humans for food. Today, however, the global population of the Canadian goose is estimated to be roughly 7 million, per reports by the Canadian Wildlife Service. These numbers continue to rise thanks to their adaptive abilities.

Where does a goose live?

Canadian goose can typically be found near secluded wooded areas that are slightly higher in altitude as compared to surrounding areas and are situated close to a body of water such as a pond or a lake. Primarily, these birds are found in Northern American geographies extending to Canada and sometimes, near Mexico and southernmost parts of the United States of America.

What is a goose's habitat?

Canadian geese typically set up their lives in areas that are at a higher elevation than their surroundings and very close to a body of water like a pond or a lake. Canada goose habitats generally are close to heavily grassy areas since geese tend to eat grass as a part of their diet. Being close to grass allows them to feed their babies. In the wake of rapid urbanization, Canadian geese can quite often be found in parks since these are flatlands and thus allows them to be aware of any type of predator.

Who do geese live with?

Canadian geese are typically birds that flock together. Therefore, most typically, Canadian geese come together to form a large group called a gaggle of geese. Along with performing regular, day-to-day activities, a gaggle will also fly together when it is time for them to migrate to other areas. Geese are the most loyal birds to their mates. They only try to find another mate if their original mate dies.

How long does a goose live?

The typical lifespan of a Canada goose when living in its natural wild habitat can range from ten to 25 years. Some exceptions can live for up to 35 years of age. However, in captivity, these birds can grow as old as 40 years.

How do they reproduce?

After about three years of age, Canadian geese will begin their search for a life partner. After having found a partner, the male and female mate for life. Canadian geese always nest and mate at their native birthplaces. Mates are selected, taking into account the similarity in their sizes and the female’s belief of the male’s protectiveness. In the months between February and April, the goose and gander mate and the females then lay an average of five to ten eggs per year. A Canada goose egg is slightly larger than a chicken egg.

What is their conservation status?

Owing to the fact that Canadian geese are a growing species, their conservation status is Least Concern. Canada geese are present in sufficient numbers across the region, hence no serious conservation efforts are required.

What do geese look like?

With an appearance that is distinct from regular geese, the Canadian goose’s first point of differentiation is the massive size that allows them to be the largest type of geese in the world. The Canadian goose also has contrasting colors strewn across its body with generally a black head and neck. This is heavily contrasted with a chinstrap that is white in color. Moving along the body, generally, the breast of a Canada goose is light in color, and the back, a contrasting brown. As all geese do, even Canadian geese have a long neck. In order to be capable swimmers, they have feet with webs connecting their toes. While there are no goose teeth in a goose mouth, you will, however, find tomia. Tomia is a cartilege and have sharp edges, which look like tiny teeth, but aren't.

How cute are they?

Canadian geese, owing to their large size and generally aggressive nature, are not birds that are cute. They can be referred to as handsome or striking. However, a Canadian goose will rate only a two on the cuteness scale, with the upper limit being five.

How do they communicate?

Canadian geese are notorious for their noise living habits and communications. These birds are actually quite vocal creatures and have about 13 observed communication calls. Their calls are typically referred to as honks and one can observe calls for different situations and emotions such as warning honks, happy honks, welcoming honks, content honks, mourning honks, honks that request a meeting of the gaggle, and so on. All in all, the Canadian goose is a noisy bird that can often create issues in urban settings for people who live there.

How big is a goose?

A Canadian goose measures around 30-42 in (72-106 cm) long and has a massive wingspan about 52-68 in (132-172 cm) long. In addition to these, the Canadian goose may weigh anywhere between 5.3-14 lb (2.4-6.3 kg). In comparison to a common crow, the Canadian goose would be about two times that size.

How fast can a goose fly?

Even though Canadian geese are predominantly water-based birds, they are immensely fast when it comes to their flying capabilities. Not only can they fly at speeds over 35 mph (56 kmph) but they also can cover the serious distance by doing so. Canadian geese may fly anywhere from 1200 to 1500 miles in a day during their migratory seasons, depending on the weather.

How much does a goose weigh?

Adult Canadian geese weigh anywhere between 5.3-14 lb (2.4-6.3 kg), with the goose being generally smaller than gander.

What are the male and female names of the species?

The males are referred to as gander, while the females are referred to as goose.

What would you call a baby goose?

The baby geese are called goslings. The goslings are often seen in flocks following their mother.

What do they eat?

Goose diet consists of grass, plants, and grains but sometimes they do prefer to eat some fish from lakes and ponds and, at other times, insects.

Are they dangerous?

Even though Canadian geese are not perceived to be dangerous, they are easily scared and threatened, and when threatened, they get aggressive and can slap or punch using their wings.

Would they make a good pet?

Because Canadian geese are notoriously loud birds, they would not be the ideal pet for most people living in urban and suburban environments. On a farm, however, they could lead a comfortable life without being a nuisance for humans.

Did you know...

The oldest Canadian goose that has survived in the wild is 33 years until she was shot. Canada geese are popularly recognized as the largest member of the waterfowl family including the swans.

During migration, these birds follow the same path every year known as flyways. Some of the common flyways used by the Canada goose are Atlantic flyway, Mississippi flyway, Central flyway, and Pacific flyway.

Canadian geese observe a mourning behavior when they loose their eggs or the mating partner.

Is a duck a goose?

No, a duck is not a goose. The first point of differentiation between these two birds is that a goose is generally much bigger than a duck. Further, geese have longer necks, beaks, and legs when compared to ducks. While ducks prefer to be in the water, geese have no such compulsions and are comfortable in the water, on land, and in the air.

Eating goose and other derived products

The most popular way to cook and eat goose meat is to roast it. However, it is slightly tricky to make as even the slightest over-cooking could make it chewy and unappetizing. When it comes to eating Canadian geese, you must remember that wild game meat cannot be sold. As long as you either hunt it in the appropriate hunting seasons or buy it from a legal seller of the meat, you can eat it legally.

Goose is actually quite a nutritious meat to consume with high reserves of protein, and other micronutrients like iron, potassium, vitamins B1 and B2, and magnesium. When prepared correctly, a goose can be a delectable dish to enjoy. In fact, if you prefer juicy meat, the higher the fat content, the better it will taste. All in all, the Canadian goose must be cooked just the right way, else eating it will not be an enjoyable experience.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including tawny owl, or Hawaiian crow.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one of our Goose coloring pages.