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Geese
Known for their distinctive "Honk!", geese are either gray (Anser), white (Chen), or black (Branta). Here you can find questions and answers about the various geese, their migration patters, size, weight, and more.
1,163 Questions
The fantastic annual migrations that birds make between their breeding and wintering grounds is one of the wonders of our natural world. Most of the world's 29 or so species of geese are no strangers to migration, and some routinely accomplish amazing feats. In Asia, Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) regularly migrate over the Himalayan Mountains, even over Mt. Everest at an altitude of 30,750 feet (9375 m) where the air is thin and the temperatures drop to minus 60 degrees F.
Migrating birds, especially waterfowl, follow broad but well defined migration routes called flyways or migration corridors. There are four primary corridors in North America. From east to west, they are the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific flyways.
Figure 1 - Migratory Flyways
Figure 2 - Migratory Flyways
Many species of geese and other waterfowl breed in the far northern reaches of North America, and begin their journey south following well defined geographical features like coastlines, rivers and mountain ranges.
Snow Geese breed in the Arctic Tundra and winter in farmlands, lakes and coastal areas in the American south, southwest and east coast. These attractive geese occur only in North America, and make an annual round trip journey of more than 5,000 miles at speeds of 50 mph or more. Seen in flight, adults are white with jet black wing tips.
Figure 3 - Snow Geese (Anser caerulescens)
Figure 4 - Snow Geese (Anser caerulescens)
In winter months, Snow Geese form highly gregarious flocks that may number into the thousands. The bill of the Snow Goose has a distinctive "grin patch" along its side. The Ross's Goose looks like a Snow Goose, but is smaller, and its bill lacks the "grin patch." The two grayish birds shown here are young Snow Geese.
The dark bird shown here near the center of the photo is a blue phase of the Snow Goose. Note the white face, and the very dark body. Formerly considered a separate species, the blue phase and the white phase of the Snow Goose are now lumped into one species. The similar but smaller Ross's Goose looks very much like the Snow Goose, and also has a blue phase that is considered rare.
Figure 5 - Blue Phase of the Snow Goose
Figure 6 - Snow Geese in Flight
Snow Geese winter in immense flocks, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. When they take flight, the flock appears as a white cloud rising from the marsh. Population biologists census waterfowl in winter months to determine population trends. Can you estimate the number of geese visible in this flock?
The Brant is the salt water cousin of the Canada Goose. These birds breed farther north than any other species of goose, and winter in coastal areas of Europe, North America and Japan. Note the white patch on either side of the neck. These birds are truly marine. They have special salt excreting glands that enable them to drink salt water and feed on eel grass, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine worms.
Figure 7 - Brant (Branta bernicula)
Figure 8 - Brant in Flight
Brant in flight have a dark appearance with a conspicuous bright white rear end. Flocks in flight do not form up into a "V" formation, but instead fly low over the sea in long wavy lines that seem to ball up then string out again with no particular leader.
The Canada Goose is widespread over North America, and has been introduced to Europe and New Zealand. The white patch on its face and throat is distinctive. Some 10 races are recognized, ranging from the very large nominate race to the darkest and smallest race B. diminuta. These geese are migratory, but in many residential areas with plenty of food, water and shelter, they are becoming quite resident. Some local populations are getting so large that they are becoming a pest species.
What do you call a pack of foxes?
The collective noun for foxes is a leash of foxes. Another collective noun for foxes is a skulk of foxes.
What is the lifespan of geese?
The average lifespan of a goose is about 20 to 22 years. They can live to 30 and a 40 year old is not uncommon. The record was a gander that lived 101 years: outliving his owner!
Penguin feathers are very soft on the back, since they have several layers and for confort they will need to be extra "cushy" which means they're like cushions. On the front however, it is more smooth and oily. Since penguins tobbagan on their bellies it would be very slick and fine :D
Their ears are just a hole on each side of their head, only a few inches back from their eyes...just like a human's ears but they don't have lobes.
Geese and ducks will often get water in their ears after swimming and it's pretty funny to watch them try to get the water out...there's a lot of head shaking going on, just a human being!
How does snow goose adapt to their environment?
It has been my experience that pigeons tend to poop over everything thus causing their environment to always remain consistently poo colored....
A Hurt Goose Should And Must Eat Seed And Grass When Injured. OR Pb and J.
The Canada Goose lives in a wide variety of habitats including lakes, bays, rivers, and marshes. Its range covers much of the Northern Hemisphere. It often feeds in open fields and grasslands.
What do I do about a duck laying eggs in your bushes?
leave them there...if you touch them the parents will leave them. If you have a pet that will hurt them try to keep it on a leash for the time being...it really doesnt take that long for them to leave the nest.
There ARE some cut-price computers being sold but I would not recommend such sites. You could consider a refurbished computer from a reputable computer retailer. That way you would at least have some guarantee if something should fail. Computers have in fact gotten cheaper over recent years.
They love bread, but don't feed it to them- it can clog up their digestive system and doesn't provide the right nutrients, which can make them very sick
Does a goose sing its mate's song after the mate dies?
It's a romantic notion. But no. Wild geese are, for the most part, monogamous, but they have been known to re-mate if their former mate dies. (I don't know if domesticated geese behave the same or not.)
There isn't (as far as we can tell) a specific song (and describing the noise made by geese as a "song" is being quite generous) that serves to identify a specific goose, so the notion of "its mate's song" is pretty much meaningless anyway.
Mom doesn't bring food to the nest like other birds. The geese are born knowing how to swim and begin to eat whatever mom is eating. They just start munching on whatever mom is eating at the time...the entire family shares!
flockofgeesegaggleofgeeseskeinofgeese (in flight)wedgeofgeese (flying in a 'V')
A. Barbarians that moved to southern California. P.S. all I ask is that you do the same for others on tests questions that you get right.
How can you attract Canadian geese?
You may be able to. You need a large, shallow water source such as a retention pond for water to drink and to swim in and rich grasslands for feeding. However, I have observed many sights like this and have seen no geese at all call it home. Water is a must, but beyond that, it is up to the preference of the individual goose.
How long is a goose's laying season?
Geese laying season last from February until May. Female geese may be able to lay anywhere from 12 to 30 eggs depending on the age.
What is a group of geese flying in V formation called?
A group of geese flying in "V" formation is called a wedge.
A young goose that looks like a duck but isnt. it is just a baby goose that will grow up do be a goose. It is also a naive or inexperienced young person.
Young goose.
