Bird Of The Week: Canadian Goose
Kai Goldstein | April 10, 2025
Canadian Goose || Branta canadensis
Considered to have one of the lowest divorce rates of any bird, pairs of Canadian Geese mate for life and stay by each other’s side throughout the year. The couple pictured has likely separated themselves from their flock to initiate territorial defense, which is the typical springtime ritual. If there is a conflict between pairs, intense fights can break out involving grabbing, hitting and sometimes injuries. These geese have complex social lives, and there are many exceptions to what is considered common behavior. In spring and summer, you can find them mainly feeding on grasses and sedges, whereas in winter and fall, it’s berries and seeds for dinner. Despite millions being killed by hunters each year, the population of Canadian Geese is on a steady rise. This is attributed to human-altered ecosystems, which have fostered large lawns and lots of excess grain to support these populations. Some groups have gotten so comfortable that they hardly migrate at all. I found this cute pair bathing together in the Swannanoa River.