Canadian goose - description, habitat, interesting facts

Canadian geese are valued for quality down, they are compared to Canadian geese. It is on the basis of this down leading manufacturers of outerwear make down jackets. However, some are not interested in the quality of down, but in the description and other features of the birds presented. For example, where they live, what interesting facts exist, how this subspecies is protected. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, examine all aspects in turn.

Special features

1. Presented birds are classified as waterfowl, to date, there are about a dozen varieties of represented birds. Specialists who study geese subdivide them into 2 varieties that have distinctive external data. That goose, according to ornithologists, is ranked among the top ten. All birds differ in their behavior and down.Judging by the official version, there are more than 12 varieties of geese living in the United States and Canada.
2. Usually these individuals are divided by weight, which is inherent in an adult individual. The geese are small and large. The variety of large individuals differs in the dense plumage, by the form they are similar to usual domestic geese. Small geese in their weight data are partially similar to wild ducks or young of a flock of geese. Hunters, of course, value large individuals more.
3. A wild goose is a source of down and meat. Therefore, it is extremely important that the individual in its natural habitat feed properly, not sick. Only under these conditions, the down will be suitable for further processing. To get a warm down jacket or a park, it is required to use fluff exclusively for adults of two years and older. Such models of outerwear are quite warm, they are easy to care for, the down is not knocked out and does not roll with mats.

Description

1. By their dimensional characteristics, birds grow to 70–80 cm. At the same time, their wingspan is 100–120 cm.As for weight, it can reach 1-3 kg. According to external data, geese are similar to geese, so some of them were called mini-geese. It has long been believed that the represented family acts as a subspecies of its Canadian counterparts.
2. If you look at the birds standing nearby, it is difficult to identify their differences. Unless you pay attention only to the size, the rest of these pets are similar. They may even have the same body weight, or you may find it so at the expense of abundant plumage. The bottom line is that the families represented are almost the same.
3. However, if you follow the reviews and other data obtained from scientists, the Canadian geese can still grow up to 7 kg. When the brant is in flight, her neck is not as long as that of the above comrade. As for the behavior, the geese are louder, they scream and with their whole appearance show superiority over others. The geese are quiet.
4. With regards to external data, the body is covered with gray feathers, on which brownish inclusions are clearly visible. There is also a white stripe in the lower part of the head, extending from one ear to the other.In the area of ​​the sacrum there is a transverse wide ribbon, the tail is black and contrasting. Paws are also black. The bill has a different shape, compared to geese. He's short. In the neck area there is a so-called collar of white color, which descends to the lower part.

Habitat

1. Birds of the represented breed group live in completely different corners of the planet. When does the preparation for procreation begin? They prefer forest areas, tundra and other thickets, where there is a water source nearby.
2. At the same time, individuals can feel great on the lawns, in the reed, near the berry bushes and fruit trees. Subsequently, what is available nearby, acts as food for adults.
3. When migration begins in the winter time of the day, individuals prefer small bodies of water, be it marshland, lakes or small rivers. Birds will be happy to stay in the area that flooded from the sea. They like silt areas, pastures, lagoons with salted water.
4. These migratory birds are sent to warm places for the winter. When they begin to fly, they take a zigzag position, which was made up by a pack.Usually moving occurs in the evening or earlier in the morning. Soar in the clouds can for a couple of hours and more, without stopping.
5. In the process of steaming adhere to the speed of 50 km / h. They do not rise too high, the maximum rise above the ground by 1 km. In flight for flight take both the whole families, and single persons.

Nutrition

1. The represented breed of birds in the warm season of the year lives in the territory of the tundra. Often when feeding individuals prefer plant food. Geese savor berries, reeds and grass. Every time before the migration, the birds begin a period of abundant feeding. Often they eat the seeds of reeds.
2. This food allows the geese to gain enough fat. As a result, it becomes the main source of energy for birds during a long flight. In addition, the presented individuals often get food from water. They dive a short distance. Individuals get the plants they need.
3. In winter, the birds mostly stop in the farm fields. Individuals feast on barley and winter wheat.Also, in addition to the main diet of the bird add all sorts of insects. The geese are very fond of mollusks and crustaceans.

Breeding

1. The considered individuals reach sexual maturity at the age of 1.5 years. It is believed that such birds are monogamous. Therefore, when creating a pair, they live life together for a long time. However, it is worth noting that with the loss of a partner, the second individual will soon find a new soul mate.
2. As for nesting, the geese prefer to stay in one permanent place. Often the representatives of the weaker sex independently choose a place for nesting. It should be high. In this case, individuals will be able to view the entire surrounding area well. Yet nests are built near rivers and reservoirs.
3. Often you can find nests, which are located on small islands that are in the water. Often individuals equip the nest with sedge, moss, lichen and their own feathers. At one time, the female is able to carry up to 5 eggs. She continues to hatch them for about 2 weeks.
4. The male, in turn, all this time is engaged in the protection of the female and future offspring.After birth, the chicks can leave the nest just after 1 day. At that age, they swim, walk, feed and dive without problems. After 7 weeks, the young growth becomes completely independent and irrevocably leaves the nest. However, the chicks can stay with their parents during the first winter.

Interesting Facts

1. The individuals under consideration, as well as the Canadian geese, are considered to be among the most widespread representatives of their kind on the North American continent. The problem is that experts are faced with serious difficulties. They simply cannot determine all subspecies and understand which one is most susceptible to threats.
2. In addition, such geese are particularly sensitive to environmental pollution. Birds are particularly sensitive to the combination of pesticides and lead. In addition, individuals often become victims of hunters.
3. The problem of reducing the population of a species also depends on the fact that mineral resources are mined in the tundra. Such processes destroy the habitat of the represented individuals.Most of the subspecies are protected by law, but the threat of species extinction remains.
4. To date, according to estimates by a specialist, the number of individuals in question around the world is only 3 million. In addition, all subspecies that are subject to different dangers are included in these figures.

The geese considered were imported to European countries relatively long ago. In cooler regions, individuals survived without any problems. These birds are unique in nature. In addition, they are very beautiful. The population of the main species is declining, despite the fact that it is under protection.

Video: Canada goose (Branta canadensis)