The Atlantic Canada goose (''Branta canadensis canadensis'') is the
nominate subspecies
In biological classification, subspecies is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species ...
of
Canada goose
The Canada goose (''Branta canadensis''), or Canadian goose, is a large wild goose with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. It is native to the arctic and temperate regions of North America, and it is o ...
, residing in much of the east coast of
North America
North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Car ...
, as well as having been introduced to much of northern and western
Europe. They are often viewed as pests, especially in places they have been introduced to.
The Canada goose was first described by
Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Description
The Atlantic Canada goose is characterized as having a medium grey chest and warm brown wings and flanks.
[ It ranges in length from 90 to 100 cm (3 to 3.2 ft) and has a wingspan of 160 to 185 cm (5.2 to 6.1 ft). Sexual dimorphism is minimal, though males tend to be heavier ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 kg (7.7 to 14.3 lbs) while females range from 3 to 5.5 kg (6.6 to 12.1 lbs).][
]
Distribution
The native range of the Atlantic Canada goose the east coast North America. These birds summer in eastern Labrador, Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador (; french: Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador; frequently abbreviated as NL) is the easternmost province of Canada, in the country's Atlantic region. The province comprises the island of Newfoundland and the continental region ...
, and various islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
The Gulf of St. Lawrence () is the outlet of the North American Great Lakes via the St. Lawrence River into the Atlantic Ocean. The gulf is a semi-enclosed sea, covering an area of about and containing about of water, at an average depth of .
...
and winter in much of the eastern United States, as far south as North Carolina.[ The bird has been introduced farther south in the United States where it has become a resident. These birds were first introduced to Europe in 1665 in the waterfowl collection of King Charles II of England. Later, this bird was intentionally released into the wild in order to provide hunting opportunities. It is now known to reside in Iceland, Ireland, UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Poland, ]Lithuania
Lithuania (; lt, Lietuva ), officially the Republic of Lithuania ( lt, Lietuvos Respublika, links=no ), is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. It is one of three Baltic states and lies on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Lithuania ...
, Latvia
Latvia ( or ; lv, Latvija ; ltg, Latveja; liv, Leţmō), officially the Republic of Latvia ( lv, Latvijas Republika, links=no, ltg, Latvejas Republika, links=no, liv, Leţmō Vabāmō, links=no), is a country in the Baltic region of ...
, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, and European Russia.[
]
Breeding
The breeding season lasts from April to June. Nests are located in grass near water in a raised location. Both the male and female guard the nest prior to nesting, at which point only the male will guard the nest. Average clutch size varies between four and six eggs. Young fledge at around 28 days old.[
]
References
{{Taxonbar, from= Q27600991, from2= Q109237327
Subspecies
Branta
Birds of Canada