Distribution
The natural range of the Canada goose is North America (Canada and the United States of America, including Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and Hawaii), the Bahamas and Greenland. In winter, some populations migrate south to warmer areas (some as far as Mexico), and to other countries including Bermuda, Japan and Russia (Kamchatka Peninsula). Non-migratory populations also occur in the United States, as a result of the introduction and establishment of the goose in what were previously non-breeding areas.
Introduced populations (resulting from the deliberate and accidental release of the goose) occur in Iceland and in Europe including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, western Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In addition to natural populations occasionally migrating from North America, some introduced goose populations in Europe also migrate and captives continue to escape or be released. These factors result in the goose's occasional presence in other countries including Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the Ukraine (where no specific locations are known, the country is not included on the distribution map). An introduced population also occurs in Beijing, China.
The Canada goose was successfully introduced to New Zealand (early 1900s; last in 1950) and is now a widespread pest there but has not yet established wild populations in Australia.
The goose was unsuccessfully introduced to Western Australia (first in 1913; last report 1929) and Victoria (in 1920s; observed up to 1935). Two geese reported in Tasmania in 1927 were believed to have originated from the Victorian birds. In the 1970s, one bird was recorded on Lord Howe Island, and since 2002 four small incursions have been recorded on the east coast of mainland Australia.
Habitat
The Canada goose can occupy a wide range of habitats including tundra, semi-desert, wooded, open or coastal areas and agricultural land. It can also live in urban areas, including parks, airports and golf courses and other areas with extensive lawns. It is usually found near water including marshes, mudflats, estuaries and other wetlands, including ornamental lakes.
Reproduction, food and behaviour
The Canada goose mates for life and begins nesting at two to three years of age. The nest is a large mass of vegetation lined with down, usually built on the ground near water, although the goose is reported to also use nests located off the ground. Four to seven white eggs are laid. The goose can be aggressive towards people and pets if disturbed when breeding.
The Canada goose eats a wide variety of plant roots, grasses, stems, leaves, fruits, aquatic plants and sedges. It also eats agricultural crops and pasture. Though it mostly grazes, it sometimes feeds by dabbling (dipping its head under water). In urban environments in the United Kingdom it readily takes food handouts and this could occur elsewhere.
Within its natural range, the majority of Canada goose populations migrate to warmer areas before the onset of winter. Some introduced populations also migrate, such as those in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. In late summer adults become flightless for about a month during the post-breeding moult.
In the wild, a Canada goose can live for up to 30 years. However, the mortality rate is high and many only live to three years. In captivity they are known to have lived to 42 years.