There are at least 12 different kinds of Canada geese in North America that gives them a distinct individually. There are different breed grounds at different times of the year. Both the female and male are similar in color; grayish brown body, white under the belly with a hint of cream and light brown. They have a long neck with a white patch on the chin. They live up to 25 years in age, if they are lucky.

These bird are protected by the federal government. It is illegal to harm or sell, purchase or hunt these birds unless allowed to by the U.S.F.W.S. United States Fish and Wildlife Services.

The parents take care of their young and each other, until one of them dies. They start finding a partner at the ages of 3-4 years old. Once they do they are paired for life. They start breeding in late february early March. Then the female goose make her nest. Canada geese flock together on lawns near a body or water.

The nest consist of sticks and grasses. She can lay up to 4-7 white, creamy eggs at a time. For 26 days, she warms them with her body, while her mate stands by and guards and fearlessly protects his family. He lets no one get near. If they do he “honks” and hisses at them. When the young goslings finally hatch, the parents takes them so they can feed on aquatic pants and insects. In about 2 months the young learns to fly.

After nesting, the birds molt. During this time, they are flightless for 4-5 weeks. They continue their journey in August.

While they are migrating, they fly in a V shape form. They do this because it allows them to glide more often, conserving energy. The aerodynamic V shape reduces the air resistance, allowing the geese to cover longer distances. They can cover more distance, 70% longer. The V shape form allows the birds to see each other and to communicate. When one bird get tired it drops back while another takes its place. They travel as fast as 70 mph and about 9,00d feet in the air; stopping a few time times to rest and feed for a while. They travel north and south of the United States and Mexico.

There are many environmental threats to these birds such as power lines,oil spills, lead shots, habitat loss on breeding grounds, cowbirds, and habitat loss in wintering grounds. There has been a large loss in these population.