Canada Goose
The black-necked goose behind migrating V formations, urban grazers, family processions, and loud seasonal skies.
Artwork inspired by Lawren Harris
Canada geese occupy an enormous range of lakes, rivers, marshes, fields, parks, and cities. Many populations migrate long distances, while others remain year-round wherever lawns, open water, and relative safety persist.
Their success around people creates conflicts, but feeding concentrates birds, worsens water quality, and encourages aggressive behavior. Walk around resting flocks rather than through them. Year-round in many cities; migration peaks vary by latitude.
- Pair bond
- Often long-term
- Flight
- V formation
- Young
- Goslings
Quick guide
- Look
- Black neck + white chinstrap
- Listen
- Deep honking calls
Field marks for Canada Goose
- Size
- A long black neck and large brown body distinguish it from smaller cackling geese.
- Formation
- Birds trade the energetically expensive lead position during group flight.
- Family
- Expect two adults flanking a line or cluster of goslings in spring.
- Behavior
- A lowered head and hissing indicate that you are too close.
Good to know
Not every flock is migrating: some urban populations move only locally between feeding and roosting sites. Do not feed geese, and give families and resting flocks a wide path instead of walking through them.
Notice these
- White chinstrap
- Black head and neck
- Brown back
- Pale rump