The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is a wild goose belonging to
the genus Branta, which is native to arctic and temperate regions
of North America, having a black head and neck, white patches on
the face, and a brownish-gray body. It is often called the Canadian
Goose, but that name is not the ornithological standard, or the
most common name.
The black head and neck with white "chinstrap" distinguish the
Canada Goose from all other goose species, with the exception of
the Barnacle Goose, but the latter has a black breast, and also
grey, rather than brownish, body plumage. There are seven
subspecies of this bird, of varying sizes and plumage details, but
all are recognizable as Canada Geese.
This species is native to North America. It breeds in Canada and
the northern United States in a variety of habitats. Its nest is
usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams,
lakes, ponds and sometimes on a beaver lodge. Its eggs are laid in
a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The Great
Lakes region maintains a very large population of Canada Geese.
Special Thanks
to Toad & Lizard for this cache!
