Animal Fact of the Day: A large and distinctive waterbird, the Canada goose can easily be recognised by its long black neck, black head and conspicuous white cheek patches, which extend under the chin. The rest of the body is largely brown, with paler underparts and a white undertail, and there is sometimes a white ring around the base of the neck. The feathers on the Canada goose’s body have pale edges, forming bar-like markings. This species’ tail is black. The most distinctive call of the Canada goose is a loud, nasal, two-syllable ‘ronk-ronk’ or ‘ka-ronk’, which is given by flocks in flight. This species also produces a range of other honking, barking and hissing sounds. The diet of the Canada goose consists entirely of plant matter, including the leaves, stems and roots of various grasses, sedges and aquatic plants. This species also feeds on seeds, fruits and grains, and often eats agricultural crops. Juvenile Canada geese may sometimes supplement their diet with insects and other small invertebrates attached to aquatic plants. The Canada goose usually feeds by grazing on land, but it also dabbles and upends in water, extending its long neck under the water to reach submerged vegetation. The Canada goose is a social species and often feeds and moves around in large flocks, which typically fly in a ‘V’ formation. These flocks usually consist of loose aggregations of family groups and individuals. The Canada goose is a strong flier and often undertakes long migration flights, potentially covering up to 2,400 kilometres in just 24 hours. During the breeding season, which usually occurs between about March and June, the Canada goose becomes territorial, with pairs beginning to defend nest sites and sometimes fighting aggressively. This species may nest individually, but sometimes also builds its nests in loose colonies. The Canada goose typically nests on the ground near to water, often on an island, making a small depression in the ground and filling it with vegetation. The nest is lined with down and other feathers. Occasionally, the Canada goose has been known to nest in trees, on cliffs or even on the tops of city buildings.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:59:09 +0000
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