CANADA GOOSE

RAISING A FAMILY


goose on nest
photo courtesy of John White / CalPhotos

larger image


NEST and EGGS

  • arrive on nesting grounds in early spring
  • may use same nest every year
  • like to nest where there is a good view
  • nests are on the ground near water; found on small islands, river banks, wet grassy areas
  • nests are built of grasses, twigs, bark, leaves, reeds and mosses; lined with down
  • photo of a nest
  • five to seven white eggs which hatch in about 28 days
  • if nesting in the Arctic, eggs hatch later (June)
  • gander (male goose) guards the nest
  • female leaves only to eat and take a short swim


THE GOSLINGS


photo courtesy of John White / CalPhotos

larger image

  • goslings are yellow-gray or yellow-brown in color with dark bills
  • feathers become gray in about a week
  • can walk and swim right after hatching
  • family leaves nest soon after young have hatched and heads for the water where it is safer
  • the female leads, goslings next, gander follows from behind

    from USBLM, California Photo Library

  • about half of the goslings survive
  • yearlings leave their parents in spring
  • young geese find mates and nest when about 3 years old


WHAT CANADA GEESE EAT



INTRODUCTION | DESCRIPTION | HABITAT | BEHAVIOR | NESTING | FOOD | ENEMIES | FLIGHT | OTHER FACTS




WEB PAGES FOR STUDENTS | CANADIAN WILDLIFE

J.Giannetta
jgiannet@hotmail.com
2003 (updated 2011)