A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Branta canadensis
The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is a wild goose belonging to the genus Branta, which is native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, having a black head and neck, white patches on the face, and a brownish-gray body.
It breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a variety of habitats. Its nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes, ponds and sometimes on a beaver lodge.
Spotted on Apr 7, 2007
Submitted on Jun 7, 2011
4 Comments
A Mallard is a Duck while this is a Goose, but they are both in the same family back up the chain. Generally geese have longer necks and they have different bills - if a goose bites you it will hurt but a duck is unlikely to even bite you at all.
Thanks for the great info!!
The Mallard is a Duck. The female is kind of boring but the male has a green head. The Canada Goose is much larger with a black head with a white stripe. See here for Mallard: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallard
What is the difference between Mallard and this species?