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Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Water birds

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

The Canada goose is a large species of goose with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. It is native to the Arctic and temperate regions of North America, and it is occasionally found during migration across the Atlantic in northern Europe.

Quick ID

Large brown goose with a black neck and head and a white chinstrap.

Scientific name
Branta canadensis
Group
Water birds
Main color
Brown
Conservation (IUCN)
Least concern

Size and shape

Canada geese range from 75 to 110 cm (30 to 43 in) in length and have a 127–185 cm (50–73 in) wingspan.

Diet

Canada geese are primarily herbivores, although they sometimes eat small insects and fish.

Range and habitat

It breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a wide range of habitats.

Voice

The honk refers to the call of the male Canada goose, whilst the hrink call refers to the female goose.

More photos

Canada Goose FAQ

How big is the Canada Goose?

Canada geese range from 75 to 110 cm (30 to 43 in) in length and have a 127–185 cm (50–73 in) wingspan.

What does the Canada Goose eat?

Canada geese are primarily herbivores, although they sometimes eat small insects and fish.

How do I identify a Canada Goose?

Large brown goose with a black neck and head and a white chinstrap.

Where does the Canada Goose live?

It breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a wide range of habitats.

Is the Canada Goose endangered?

No. The IUCN Red List rates the Canada Goose as least concern (status read from Wikidata).

Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Canada Goose (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.