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Wildlife
- Birds - |
Canada Goose
(Branta canadensis) M, B |
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RANGE: Breeds from the Arctic Coast of Alaska and northern
Canada east to Baffin Island, south to central California, east
to western Tennessee, southern Ontario and Quebec, and
Newfoundland. Winters from south-coastal and southeastern
Alaska, British Columbia and southern Alberta east to the
Atlantic Coast of Newfoundland, and south to Mexico, the Gulf
Coast and northern Florida.
STATUS: Common; 11 subspecies of the Canada goose are currently
recognized.
HABITAT: Found in a variety of habitats near water, from
forested and prairie regions to tundra, breeding on swamps,
marshes, meadows, rivers, banks of lakes and ponds, and on
islands. Winters in tidewater areas, marshes, inland refuges,
and in flooded fields.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Elevated habitat feature or
artificial structures near water for nesting. . Strongest
nesting habitat association along lake and pond shorelines and
islands and edges of freshwater marsh.
NEST: Usually nests on the ground near water (generally within
150 feet), preferably on a slightly elevated site that is
isolated and affords good visibility of the surrounding area.
Prefers muskrat houses for nesting but will also nest on small
islands lacking tall growth, haystacks, rocky cliffs, hummocks,
ridges of silt, pond banks, beaver lodges, and occasionally
abandoned nests of ospreys, ravens, owls, or herons. Has
successfully adapted to nesting on artificial structures.
FOOD: Essentially a grazer, preferring young, green tender
plants. Consumes various grasses and forbs, both terrestrial and
aquatic. Consumes agricultural crops as primary food during
migration and winter. Also consumes small amounts of insects,
insect larvae, mollusks, and small crustaceans.
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Bellrose 1976, Hansen and Nelson
1964, Marshall et al. 2003, Miller 1999, NAS 2004, Shunk 2004,
Terres 1980, VanWormer 1968. |
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