(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis

Identification Tips:

  1. Length: 16-25 inches Wingspan: 50-68 inches
  2. Sexes similar
  3. Large long-necked goose
  4. Black bill
  5. Black head and neck
  6. White throat patch extends up to cheek
  7. Brown back, upper wing and flanks
  8. Brownish-white breast and belly
  9. White upper tail coverts contrast with black tail
  10. White undertail coverts
  11. Great size variation, with some northern subspecies duck-sized
  12. Immature similar to adult

Similar species:

Similar only to Brant, which has a black breast, white flanks and a small white neck patch rather than a large white throat and cheek patch.