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Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Bird · family Anatidae · order Anseriformes

  1. G1
    Critically imperiled
  2. G2
    Imperiled
  3. G3
    Vulnerable
  4. G4
    Apparently secure
  5. G5
    Secure

NatureServe global rank G5: secure[2].

Updated October 30, 2026. Published by Humblebee.

Canada Goose
Photo: Pierre5018, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Endangered Species Act
Not listed[1]
NatureServe global rank
G5 Secure[2]
Native in
50 states[3]
Oldest known wild bird
33 years[4]

The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is a bird in the waterfowl family Anatidae[5]. NatureServe ranks it Secure worldwide, and it is not listed under the US Endangered Species Act[2][1].

Conservation status

NatureServe gives the Canada Goose a global rank of G5, which it describes as Secure[2]. In the United States the rank is N5B,N5N, Secure for both breeding and nonbreeding birds[6]. The IUCN Red List category recorded by NatureServe is Least concern[7]. The bird is not listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, but it is on the federal list of birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act[1][8]. NatureServe notes that most populations are stable or increasing[9].

Status Value
Endangered Species Act[1] Not listed
NatureServe global rank[2] G5 (Secure)
NatureServe US rank[6] N5B,N5N (Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding))
IUCN Red List (via NatureServe)[7] Least concern
Migratory Bird Treaty Act[8] Protected
Total population (NatureServe estimate)[10] 10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals

Where Canada Goose lives

NatureServe lists the Canada Goose as native in 50 US states and territories, including Alaska, Texas, New York, California and Hawaii[3]. It lists Florida as a place where the bird was introduced and is not native[11]. State ranks vary. NatureServe also gives each state its own conservation rank for the goose[12]. NatureServe also notes that the goose is found year-round in the central part of its range[13].

Alaska: native, state rank S5BAKMaine: native, state rank S4N,S5BMEWisconsin: native, state rank S5BWIVermont: native, state rank S5NVTNew Hampshire: native, state rank S5NHWashington: native, state rank S5B,S5NWAIdaho: native, state rank S5B,S5NIDMontana: native, state rank S5BMTNorth Dakota: native, state rank SNRBNDMinnesota: native, state rank SNRB,SNRN,SNRMMNIllinois: native, state rank S5ILMichigan: native, state rank S5MINew York: native, state rank S5NYMassachusetts: native, state rank S5MAOregon: native, state rank S5ORNevada: native, state rank S5NVWyoming: native, state rank S5B,S4NWYSouth Dakota: native, state rank S5B,S5NSDIowa: native, state rank S5B,S5NIAIndiana: native, state rank S5INOhio: native, state rank S5OHPennsylvania: native, state rank S5PANew Jersey: native, state rank S5NJConnecticut: native, state rank S5CTRhode Island: native, state rank S4BRICalifornia: native, state rank SNRB,SNRNCAUtah: native, state rank S4UTColorado: native, state rank S5CONebraska: native, state rank SNRNNEMissouri: native, state rank S5MOKentucky: native, state rank S3B,S4NKYWest Virginia: native, state rank S5N,S5BWVVirginia: native, state rank S3VAMaryland: native, state rank S4B,S5NMDDelaware: native, state rank S5B,S5NDEArizona: native, state rank S4AZNew Mexico: native, state rank S5B,S5NNMKansas: native, state rank S4B,S5NKSArkansas: native, state rank S5ARTennessee: native, state rank S5BTNNorth Carolina: native, state rank S5B,S5NNCSouth Carolina: native, state rank S5SCDistrict of Columbia: native, state rank S5DCOklahoma: native, state rank SNROKLouisiana: native, state rank S3LAMississippi: native, state rank S4NMSAlabama: native, state rank S4B,S5NALGeorgia: native, state rank S4GAHawaii: native, state rank SNAHITexas: native, state rank S5TXFlorida: introduced, state rank SNAFLPuerto Rico: not recordedPR
State presence as recorded by NatureServe[12].
Show state ranks (51 states)
StateRankMeaning
AlabamaS4B,S5NApparently Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
AlaskaS5BSecure (breeding)
ArizonaS4Apparently Secure
ArkansasS5Secure
CaliforniaSNRB,SNRNNot Ranked (breeding), Not Ranked (nonbreeding)
ColoradoS5Secure
ConnecticutS5Secure
DelawareS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
District of ColumbiaS5Secure
FloridaSNANot Applicable
GeorgiaS4Apparently Secure
HawaiiSNANot Applicable
IdahoS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
IllinoisS5Secure
IndianaS5Secure
IowaS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
KansasS4B,S5NApparently Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
KentuckyS3B,S4NVulnerable (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
LouisianaS3Vulnerable
MaineS4N,S5BApparently Secure (nonbreeding), Secure (breeding)
MarylandS4B,S5NApparently Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
MassachusettsS5Secure
MichiganS5Secure
MinnesotaSNRB,SNRN,SNRMNot Ranked (breeding), Not Ranked (nonbreeding), Not Ranked (migrant)
MississippiS4NApparently Secure (nonbreeding)
MissouriS5Secure
MontanaS5BSecure (breeding)
NebraskaSNRNNot Ranked (nonbreeding)
NevadaS5Secure
New HampshireS5Secure
New JerseyS5Secure
New MexicoS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
New YorkS5Secure
North CarolinaS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
North DakotaSNRBNot Ranked (breeding)
OhioS5Secure
OklahomaSNRNot Ranked
OregonS5Secure
PennsylvaniaS5Secure
Rhode IslandS4BApparently Secure (breeding)
South CarolinaS5Secure
South DakotaS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
TennesseeS5BSecure (breeding)
TexasS5Secure
UtahS4Apparently Secure
VermontS5NSecure (nonbreeding)
VirginiaS3Vulnerable
WashingtonS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
West VirginiaS5N,S5BSecure (nonbreeding), Secure (breeding)
WisconsinS5BSecure (breeding)
WyomingS5B,S4NSecure (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)

Habitat

NatureServe records the Canada Goose in many habitats near water, including wetlands, rivers, shallow water, bays, tidal flats, tundra, grassland and cropland[14]. It breeds in open or wooded areas near lakes, ponds, streams and marshes[15]. The nest sits on the ground or on a raised spot, and the bird usually comes back to the same nesting territory the next year[15]. In the eastern US it is often seen on lawns next to water in towns and suburbs[15].

Habitat types recorded by NatureServe[14]

Size, diet and lifespan

Adults eat plants and grains, and NatureServe lists them as herbivores and granivores (seed and grain eaters)[16]. They graze on grasses, clover, cattails and algae, and they also take some small shellfish[17]. One diet estimate puts the mix at 90% plant material and 10% fruit[18]. NatureServe records a typical length of 114 cm (45 in)[19]. It records a typical weight of 10 lb[20]. The usual clutch size is 5 to 6, and the female incubates for 25 to 30 days[21]. The young are precocial, both adults tend them, and they stay with their parents until the next spring[21]. The longest recorded lifespan is 42 years in AnAge, and the oldest known wild goose in banding records was at least 33 years 3 months old[22][4].

Trait Value
Typical length[19] 114 cm (45 in)
Typical adult weight[20] 4.7 kg (10 lb)
Longest recorded lifespan (AnAge)[22] 42 years
Oldest known wild bird (banding)[4] 33 years 3 months
Litter or clutch size[23] 5
Gestation or incubation[24] 26 days
Female maturity[25] 730 days (about 2.0 years)
Food habits[16] Herbivore, Granivore
Migration[26] non-migrant, local migrant, long-distance migrant

Estimated diet composition (EltonTraits 1.0)[18]

  • 90% other plant material
  • 10% fruit

When to look for it

NatureServe lists the Canada Goose as active in the daytime[27]. It usually feeds in the early morning and late afternoon, but during migration it can be active by day or by night[28]. Some populations do not migrate, some move short distances and some travel long distances[26]. Families migrate together in flocks[13]. Observation records on GBIF peak in March, April and May[29]. Those records show when people look and report, not how many geese there are[29].

January: 1,328,433 recordsJanFebruary: 1,350,901 recordsFebMarch: 2,010,865 recordsMarApril: 2,489,615 recordsAprMay: 2,446,118 recordsMayJune: 748,387 recordsJunJuly: 666,250 recordsJulAugust: 772,448 recordsAugSeptember: 992,504 recordsSepOctober: 1,136,646 recordsOctNovember: 1,052,118 recordsNovDecember: 1,087,968 recordsDec
US observation records on GBIF by month, all years. The three months with the most records are highlighted. Records show when people look and report, not how many animals there are[29].
Show records by month
MonthRecords
January1,328,433
February1,350,901
March2,010,865
April2,489,615
May2,446,118
June748,387
July666,250
August772,448
September992,504
October1,136,646
November1,052,118
December1,087,968

Where to see it

National Park Service species lists record Canada Goose as present in 215 park units[30]. Present means the park has a confirmed record, not that sightings are common.

And 191 more park units.

States with the most GBIF observation records: New York, Ohio, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania[31]. These counts follow where people look and report, not population size.

Questions people ask

Is the Canada Goose endangered?
No. It is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act[1]. NatureServe ranks it G5, which means Secure[2].
Where does the Canada Goose live?
NatureServe lists it as native in 50 US states and territories and as introduced in Florida[3][11]. It uses habitats near water such as marshes, rivers, lakes and fields[14][15].
What does the Canada Goose eat?
It mostly eats plants, including grasses, clover, cattails, algae and grain[17]. It also eats some mollusks and small crustaceans[17].
How big is a Canada Goose?
NatureServe records a typical length of 114 cm (45 in)[19]. It records a typical weight of 10 lb[20].
How long does a Canada Goose live?
The longest recorded lifespan is 42 years in AnAge[22]. The oldest known wild goose in banding records was at least 33 years 3 months old[4].

Facts and sources

  1. Canada Goose is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act in USFWS ECOS data (checked 2026-10-30). USFWS ECOS
  2. NatureServe global conservation status rank for Canada Goose: G5 (Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  3. NatureServe lists Canada Goose as native in 50 US states and territories: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,... NatureServe Explorer
  4. Oldest known wild Canada Goose from US and Canadian bird banding records: at least 33 years 3 months old (USGS Bird Banding Laboratory). USGS Bird Banding Lab
  5. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is a bird in the family Anatidae, order Anseriformes. NatureServe Explorer
  6. NatureServe national rank in the United States: N5B,N5N (Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)). NatureServe Explorer
  7. IUCN Red List category as recorded by NatureServe: Least concern. NatureServe Explorer
  8. Canada Goose is on the federal list of migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (50 CFR 10.13). eCFR, 50 CFR 10.13
  9. NatureServe notes on trend for Canada Goose. NatureServe Explorer
  10. NatureServe estimate of total adult population (global, as a range): 10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals. NatureServe Explorer
  11. NatureServe lists Canada Goose as introduced (not native) in: Florida. NatureServe Explorer
  12. NatureServe state ranks for Canada Goose (map and table on this page). NatureServe Explorer
  13. NatureServe notes on migration for Canada Goose. NatureServe Explorer
  14. Habitat types NatureServe records for Canada Goose: Grassland/herbaceous, Tundra, Cropland/hedgerow, Herbaceous wetland, Riparian, Low gradient, Shallow water, Bay/sound, River mouth/tidal river, Lagoon, Tidal flat/shore. NatureServe Explorer
  15. NatureServe notes on habitat for Canada Goose. NatureServe Explorer
  16. Adult food habits recorded by NatureServe: Herbivore, Granivore. NatureServe Explorer
  17. NatureServe notes on food for Canada Goose. NatureServe Explorer
  18. Estimated diet composition in EltonTraits 1.0: 90% other plant material, 10% fruit. EltonTraits 1.0
  19. Typical length recorded by NatureServe: 114 cm (45 in). NatureServe Explorer
  20. Typical adult weight recorded by NatureServe: 4.7 kg (10 lb). NatureServe Explorer
  21. NatureServe notes on reproduction for Canada Goose. NatureServe Explorer
  22. Maximum recorded lifespan in AnAge: 42 years. This is a record, not a typical lifespan. AnAge
  23. Typical litter or clutch size in AnAge: 5. AnAge
  24. Gestation or incubation period in AnAge: 26 days. AnAge
  25. Age at female sexual maturity in AnAge: 730 days (about 2.0 years). AnAge
  26. NatureServe migration category for Canada Goose: non-migrant, local migrant, long-distance migrant (populations can differ). NatureServe Explorer
  27. Adult activity patterns recorded by NatureServe: Diurnal. NatureServe Explorer
  28. NatureServe notes on phenology for Canada Goose. NatureServe Explorer
  29. GBIF observation records of Canada Goose in the US by month (chart on this page). GBIF
  30. NPSpecies park lists recording Canada Goose as present (list on this page). NPS NPSpecies
  31. US states with the most GBIF observation records of Canada Goose: New York, Ohio, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania. Record counts follow observer effort, not population size. GBIF

Status, range and habitat come from NatureServe Explorer (CC BY 4.0) and USFWS ECOS at the snapshot date. Listings change by federal rule. State lists are where NatureServe records the species, not a promise that you will see it there. Never name a place smaller than a state. GBIF and park records count observations and checklists. They show where and when people report the species, not how many animals live there.

NatureServe. 2026. NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: October 30, 2026). Licensed under CC BY 4.0; SpeciesFacts selected and summarized it.

Photo: Pierre5018, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.