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The goose is a member of a widespread group of waterfowl ranging in size from the giant Canada goose (Branta canadensis) to the diminutive cackling goose (B. hutchinsii). The term goose is applied to many species of waterfowl in the Southern Hemisphere, but the only true geese are found in North America, Europe and Asia.
Types of Geese
Geese belong to two main groups, true geese (genus Anser) and Brant geese (Branta). Some taxonomists subdivide geese into additional groups, e.g., Hawaiian goose or nene (Nesochen), emperor goose (Philacte) of Alaska, bar-headed goose (Eulabeia) of Tibet and India, or snow goose (Chen). Their taxonomy at the species and subspecies level is very complicated, especially in the races of the Canada goose and bean goose (Anser fabalis).
Geese Species Found in Canada
There are seven species of geese in North America, five of which breed in Canada. Most species breed in the Boreal Forest and Tundra. Geese in Canada are intermediate in size between swans and ducks.
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese
Canada and cackling geese may have as many as 50 distinct subspecies and variations, ranging in size from the cackling goose of Alaska (1 kg) to the Canada goose of Manitoba (10 kg); all have the same general pattern of black neck and head with a white throat patch.
Brant Geese
Brant geese (B. bernicla) are divided into four populations: those from the eastern Queen Elizabeth Islands winter in Ireland; those from the western Queen Elizabeth Islands in Puget Sound and the lower BC mainland; those from the coastal tundra of Nunavut in Baja California, Mexico; and those from Foxe Basin off the coast of New Jersey.
White-fronted Geese
The greater white-fronted goose (A. albifrons) is circumpolar and breeds in the Arctic tundra.
Snow Geese and Ross's Geese
Snow geese (Chen caerulescens) breed in the High Arctic, and Ross's geese (C. rossii) in the Low Arctic.
Reproduction and Development
Geese are believed to mate for life. Males are called ganders; juveniles, goslings. Members of various species may nest singly or in colonies. They usually lay 3–6 eggs (range 2–9) in a nest of plant debris, moss, etc., lined with down. Both parents care for the young.
