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Range and Habitat: Breeds from Arctic coast south to South
Dakota and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and a few in New England.
Winters from Great Lakes and Nova Scotia south to the Gulf of
Mexico. The most widely distributed and well-known waterfowl in
North America.
Habits and Adaptations: Flight is accompanied by much
honking, which can be heard before the familiar v- formation is
seen. Extremely fast flyer, traveling about 64 kph (40 mph, but
often attaining speed of up to 96.5 kph (60 mph). Early migrants,
often arriving in the northern regions the first part of March.
Fall migration occurs in October, November and early December.
Diet: Eat fallen grain in fields (in spring may do damage
to young crops of wheat, barley, corn and oats). In marshes they
feed on wild rice, sedges, various other aquatic plants, insects,
larvae, crustaceans and small mollusks. They are very regular
in their feeding habits, and if not disturbed, will return day
after day to the same grounds. On the water, they feed the same
way as the surface-feeding ducks.
Breeding and Maturation: Said to mate for life, but have
been known to find a new partner when separated from their original
partner. The nest is built on the ground near water; often muskrat
lodges provide a base for the nest. The goose builds the nest,
adding down from her body during the time the eggs are being laid;
up to 5 or 6 eggs laid. Incubation lasts from 24 - 30 days. Goose
alone incubates, while the gander stands guard nearby. Both parents
care for young. When swimming, the gander will usually lead the
flock, goslings follow and the goose brings up the rear.
Miscellaneous: Canada geese exhibit considerable caution,
seldom allowing close approach. They do not land without first
searching the vicinity thoroughly and alighting well away from
any shrubbery which might conceal an enemy. The Canada geese at
the Minnesota Zoo are "fly-in" flocks and not actually
part of the animal collection.
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