Field Guide/Birds/Branta canadensis
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| Branta canadensis |
The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) belongs to the Branta genus of geese, which contains species with largely black plumage, distinguishing them from the grey Anser species.
This well-known species is the only "black" goose native to North America. It breeds in Canada and the northern USA. Like most geese it is migratory, the wintering range being most of the USA.
There are up to 12 subspecies of this bird, of varying sizes and plumage details, but all are recognizable as Canada Geese. A few ornithologists consider that some of these races may be full species.
This species has reached western Europe naturally, as has been proved by ringing recoveries, but has also been introduced. The introduced birds are of the largest race, and have established feral populations in Great Britain, The Netherlands and Scandinavia.
Semi-tame feral birds are common in parks, and have become a pest in some areas. Interestingly, it is now proved that most Scandinavian and some British birds have established a migration pattern.
The black head and neck with white "chinstrap" distinguish this goose from all except the Barnacle Goose, but the latter has a black breast and grey, rather than brownish, body plumage.
The Canada Goose is depicted on the Canadian $100 note.
