Canada goose

LIVING HABITS

The Canada goose, originally a Northern American species, has been introduced to various countries in Europe. In Finland the Canada goose nests in the central and southern parts of the country, also on the coastlines all the way up to Oulu. The Canada goose is a large goose that defends its territories aggressively. The Canada goose thrives in various environments, ranging from the harsh islets of the outer archipelago to lush inland waters. Its food consists of green plants, gastropods, worms and other invertebrates.

PROTECTION

The Canada goose species is thriving and is a game animal in Finland. The annual quarry is about 4 000-5 000 individuals.

ADAPTING TO THE WINTER

The Scandinavian Canada goose migrates to Southern Sweden, Denmark and Northern Germany for winter grounds.

Canada goose

Branta canadensis

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FAMILY:

SIZE: Weight: 3-5,-5 kg, wingspan: 160-175cm.

BREEDING: The female Canada goose lays 4-6- eggs in April-May, incubation: 28-30 days and nights. Independent in its first winter, sexual maturity in 3 years.

LIFESPAN: According to ringing data, the oldest Canada goose has lived over 24 years.

Did you know that the Canada goose was brought to Finland as a game animal first in the 1960’s? The Canada goose adapted living extremely well on our soils, and is even causing some problems while grazing on the green pastures, dropping its excrements all around, particularly on the golf course greeneries in the country. The problem, though, at the moment, is merely cosmetic.