Canada Goose
Scientific name
Branta canadensis
about the species
An iconic bird familiar to most in the United States, most Canada geese that call Missouri home are of a subspecies known as the giant Canada goose. This subspecies was hunted to near extinction but has made quite the comeback- there are now millions of Canada geese across the US. Despite some outward hostility to humans, this species tends to mate for life and choose a mate based on how similar in size individuals are to one another- something called assortative mating.
conservation status
Least concern. Common in Missouri.
How we’re studying this species
While some remain all summer, most Canada geese visit Forest Park over the winter and can be found almost anywhere you look. They are currently being observed alongside other waterbirds as a part of our waterbird community ecology project. We also have GPS collars on two Canada Geese in the park. Can you spot them around Jefferson and Round Lakes?
