Northern Geese

Northern Geese are characterized by elegant, bold patterns of black, white and even rich red. They have a sonorous voice and delightful, loud honking calls, their distinct mandibular serrations enable them to easily sever grass and other vegetation. The especially bill is well suited for digging out roots. Northern Geese inhabit the great plains full of water and pasture and are highly social birds which gather, feed and roost in exceedingly dense colonies consisting of thousands of birds. They do not forage in the water and feed mainly during the day. Adults are primarily vegetarian, whereas goslings of many species are dependent on insects and other invertebrates. Geese tend to visit fields only when sufficient light is present to detect predators, and they usually depart before the night falls. Nevertheless, nocturnal foraging occurs when the moon is full. Well known for strong family ties, goose pairs may remain bonded for life. Some important Northern Geese are: Emperor Goose (Anser Canagica), Lesser White-Fronted Goose (Anser Erythropus), Greater White Fronted Goose (Anser Albifrons), Barnacle Goose (Branta Leucopsis), Red-Breasted Goose (Branta Ruficollis), Atlantic Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis Canadensis), Cackling Goose (Branta Canadensis Minima), Brent Goose (Branta Bernicla), Greylag Goose (Anser Anser), Ross' Goose (Anser Rossii), Pink Footed Goose (Anser Brachyrhynchus) and Snow Goose (Anser Caerulescens).