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Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
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Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

From Laura Klappenbach,
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Description: The Canada goose (Branta canadensis) is the most widespread of all geese in North America. This species has a black head and neck, a pale breast and a white patch (also called a chinstrap) under the chin and on the side of the head. Flocks of Canada geese fly in a V formation. This bird weighs between 1 and 4 kg depending on subspecies.
The Canada goose has large wings and sometimes use them when defending itself. Its known predators include ravens, dogs, skunks and humans. They are able to make over ten different vocalizations and also use body gestures to communicate.
Classification:
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum Chordata
  • Class Aves
  • Order: Anseriformes
  • Family: Anatidae
  • Genus: Branta
  • Species: Branta canadensis

New to animal classification? Find out more about how scientists classify animals.

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, bays, marshes, fields, and some urban areas.
Diet: Primarily plant matter (including a variety of grasses) but also a small amount of aquatic invertebrates.
Status: Not threatened.
References:
  • Peterson, RT. Eastern Birds. Peterson Field Guides. Houghton Mifflin. Boston, MA. 1980.
  • Burnie, D. and D.E. Wilson. Animal. Dorling Kindersley. London. 2001.
  • Lutz, H. 2002. "Branta canadensis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed May 25, 2004
  • Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. Birds of Nova Scotia. (2003).
References:
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