Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

OTHER NAMES: Canadian Goose, Tundra Goose, Ring-neck Goose

Latin Etymology: Branta (Old Norse for burnt) canadensis ("of Canada")

Two feral adult Canada Goose (Branta canadensis - unknown subspecies) at London Wetland Center, London - June 2018

Featured Subspecies: *unknown*

Weight: 2.5-6.5kg  /  Length: 75-110cm  /  Wingspan: 130-180cm

NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Canada Geese are by far one of the easiest species to see in the UK. After Mallard, they are probably the most easily seen waterbird in the country. They will be present at most lakes of any notable size. The only limiting factor is that they do have localised habitat (water) as opposed to being present across habitats, although it isn't uncommon to see and/or hear them flying over in the distinctive 'V' formation or birds across countryside while travelling between sites.

As with many park based waterbirds, they can be encouraged to come very close through giving them feed. Quite often they may approach of their own volition, possibly in case you do have something to give them, although obviously be careful about aggression in this case. Either way they are a very easy species to photograph.

Related Species:

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Genus: Branta
Subspecies: B. c. moffitti, B. c. interior, B. c. canadensis, B. c. maxima, B. c. occidentalis, B. c. fulva, B. c. parvipes    

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Common feral resident (62,000 pairs) and common Winter visitor (190,000 birds)

 - Birds seen at sites including but not limited to Rutland Water, Rainham Marshes, Regent's Park, Kensington Gardens, Pitsford Reservoir, Ditchford Gravel Pits, Eyebrook Reservoir and Geddington.

UNITED STATES 
Breeds in Northern States, migrating to South Coast ones, resident in coastal California
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen at San Francisco 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto