Family: Anatidae.
Length 90 to 100cm Wingspan: 1.5 to 1.8m Weight: 4.3 to 5Kg Lifespan: 20 to 25 years.
The Canada Goose was originally imported from North America as an ornamental bird. It has now established itself in various habitats, through-out the UK. It can also be found in the Scandinavia Countries throughout Northern Europe.
Being very well adapted to the unpredictable temperatures of the UK, so many have now lost their will to migrate
Feeding: Spends a lot of time grazing on grass, will also feed on a variety of cereals and aquatic plants. In the winter time the goose will rely more on domesticated grasslands, berries, seeds and will take advantage of feeding on any crops they come across on farmlands.
Nesting: Nesting usually on the ground surface, so for extra protection from many ground predators, including foxes, stoats, ferrets, squirrels, (just to mention a few); small islands are favoured as a safer haven for a nesting site, more often than not with other Canadian Geese and other similar sized birds. The nest is down-lined on the inside, the outside supported with various plant vegetation found close by, five to six eggs are normally laid. The female covers all the incubation period while the male stands close by, guarding her and the nest. Incubation period lasts between 25 to 28 days, the total nesting period can last up to 50 days. As soon as the goslings hatch they are capable of walking, swimming and finding food, the goslings will remain with their parents for their first year. Canada geese usually mate up from the age of three to four years and will remain loyal with one partner, through-out their entire life.
Just 1 brood a year April to June.
