Identification Tips:
Length: 16-25 inches Wingspan: 50-68 inches
Sexes similar
Large long-necked goose
Black bill
Black head and neck
White throat patch extends up to cheek
Brown back, upper wing and flanks
Brownish-white breast and belly
White upper tail coverts contrast with black tail
White undertail coverts
Great size variation, with some northern subspecies duck-sized
Immature similar to adult
Similar species:
Similar only to Brant, which has a black breast, white flanks and a small white neck patch rather than a large white throat and cheek patch.
Numerous and popular, Canada geese are often called "honkers". Includes several races varying in weight from 3 to over 12 pounds. All have black heads and necks, white cheeks, similar habitats and voices. Sexes are identical.