Canada Goose

Birds / Canada Goose

Information for Juniors

They are not a native bird.
Head and Neck are black
Males can weigh up to 6.5kgs – females less
They were introduced into NZ in the 1900’s and were protected until about 1957.
They can be seen in most parts of NZ particularly around coastal lakes and lagoons where their population is increasing.
Most flocks these days are multi-generational with one breeding pair having a family of 20 birds within a year.
The male and female stick together with the female sitting on the eggs for about 1 month until the eggs hatch.
The male (gander) defends the territory around the nest.
The nests are on the ground hidden amongst the bullrushes and lined with down.
An average of 5 eggs per nest
The eggs are laid around September and sometimes a 2^nd clutch around January.
The chicks take 2 months before they can fly
While largely herbivorous, geese can eat a wide range of grasses and grains and consume small fish and insects.
Five geese may consume the same amount of grass as one sheep,
On the water, these geese feed from bottom sediments and aquatic plants.

Information for Junior Secondary

They are not a native bird.
Head and Neck are black
Males can weigh up to 6.5kgs – females less
They were introduced into NZ in the 1900’s and were protected until about 1957.
They can be seen in most parts of NZ particularly around coastal lakes and lagoons where their population is increasing.
Most flocks these days are multi-generational with one breeding pair having a family of 20 birds within a year.
The male and female stick together with the female sitting on the eggs for about 1 month until the eggs hatch.
The male (gander) defends the territory around the nest.
The nests are on the ground hidden amongst the bullrushes and lined with down.
An average of 5 eggs per nest
The eggs are laid around September and sometimes a 2nd clutch around January.
The chicks take 2 months before they can fly
While largely herbivorous, geese can eat a wide range of grasses and grains and consume small fish and insects.
Five geese may consume the same amount of grass as one sheep,
On the water, these geese feed from bottom sediments and aquatic plants.

Information for Senior Secondary

They are not a native bird.
Head and Neck are black
Males can weigh up to 6.5kgs – females less
They were introduced into NZ in the 1900’s and were protected until about 1957.
They can be seen in most parts of NZ particularly around coastal lakes and lagoons where their population is increasing.
Most flocks these days are multi-generational with one breeding pair having a family of 20 birds within a year.
The male and female stick together with the female sitting on the eggs for about 1 month until the eggs hatch.
The male (gander) defends the territory around the nest.
The nests are on the ground hidden amongst the bullrushes and lined with down.
An average of 5 eggs per nest
The eggs are laid around September and sometimes a 2nd clutch around January.
The chicks take 2 months before they can fly
While largely herbivorous, geese can eat a wide range of grasses and grains and consume small fish and insects.
Five geese may consume the same amount of grass as one sheep,
On the water, these geese feed from bottom sediments and aquatic plants.

Take a good photo
Write a paragraph in which you describe the different types of ‘call’ that the geese use.
One breeding pair lays 5 eggs, I chick dies and 2 males and 2 females survive. The next breeding season all females lay another 5 eggs but only 4 of each clutch survive. Set out the equation to show how many Canadian geese are there now.
What will the number be at the end of the next season? Study the photo and sketch a copy with coloured pencils.