Geese are large, social waterfowl from the Anatidae family, known for their grazing habits and strong family bonds, often forming flocks. A young goose is called a gosling, a male is a gander, and a group of geese can be called a gaggle, skein, or wedge. These birds are highly protective of their offspring and mates, exhibit strong loyalty, and can even be used for property security due to their loud calls and sensitivity to strangers.
These birds are highly social and typically live in family groups or larger flocks. They display cooperative behavior, protecting each other from predators and sharing feeding grounds. On land, they graze on grasses, grains, and seeds, while in water they forage for aquatic plants and small invertebrates, showing versatility in their feeding habits.
Geese are known for their long migrations, traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds. They often fly in V-shaped formations to conserve energy and maintain group cohesion during long journeys. These migratory patterns are guided by instinct, environmental cues, and the changing seasons.
Breeding and nesting are important aspects of their life cycle. Geese build nests on the ground near water, often in secluded areas to protect eggs and hatchlings. The young are precocial, able to walk, swim, and feed shortly after hatching, following their parents closely to learn survival skills.
Types of Geese
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Found in: North America; introduced in Europe and New Zealand.
The Canada Goose is perhaps the most iconic waterfowl of North America, instantly recognized by its black head and neck with distinctive white “chinstrap” markings. These highly adaptable birds thrive in diverse habitats, from remote Arctic tundra to suburban parks and golf courses. Their loud, honking calls signal the changing seasons as they fly in characteristic V-formations during migration.
Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
Found in: North America.
Snow Geese present a spectacular display with their brilliant white plumage and contrasting black wingtips, though a darker “Blue Goose” morph is also common. They are known for gathering in immense, deafeningly noisy flocks that can contain hundreds of thousands of individuals. These massive congregations are a hallmark of their long migrations between Arctic breeding grounds and southern wintering areas.
Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
Found in: Europe and Asia.
As the wild ancestor of most domestic goose breeds, the Greylag Goose is a large, heavy bird with mottled gray-brown plumage and a sturdy orange-pink bill. It is a vocal species, known for its loud, cackling calls that echo across its wetland habitats. These geese are highly gregarious, forming large flocks outside of the breeding season in marshes and agricultural fields.
Emperor Goose (Anser canagicus)
Found in: Coastal Alaska and Siberia.
The Emperor Goose is a stunningly beautiful bird with a sleek, bluish-gray body and a striking white head and hindneck that is often stained rusty-orange from ferrous waters. It is a creature of the coast, rarely venturing far inland, and feeds primarily on intertidal vegetation and mollusks. Its relatively small population and restricted range make it a prized sighting for birdwatchers.
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
Found in: Arctic islands of the North Atlantic; winters in Northern Europe.
This small, strikingly marked goose boasts a crisp color pattern of a white face, black head and neck, and a silvery-gray body. Its name originates from an ancient European myth that the birds hatched from goose barnacles, as their Arctic breeding grounds were once unknown. They nest on steep cliffs to avoid predators and then migrate in tight, noisy flocks to winter in coastal grasslands.
Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
Found in: Arctic coasts; winters in temperate coastal areas worldwide.
The Brent Goose is a small, dark, and largely marine species, with the most common form being a uniform sooty-black with a small white neck patch. They are almost entirely dependent on coastal estuaries, where they graze on eelgrass and sea lettuce, often in large, densely packed flocks. Their migration is a dramatic spectacle along the world’s coastlines.
Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus)
Found in: Central Asia.
Famed for its extreme high-altitude migrations, the Bar-headed Goose regularly crosses the formidable Himalayan mountain range. It is easily identified by the two characteristic black bars on the back of its otherwise white head and its pale gray body. This remarkable species has physiological adaptations that allow it to fly efficiently in the thin air where oxygen is scarce.
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Found in: Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia.
This medium-brown goose gets its name from the distinctive patch of white feathers at the base of its bill, known as the “front.” Its belly is prominently marked with irregular black bars, and it is known for its distinctive, high-pitched, laughing call that sounds like “kwee-kwee-kwee.” They are highly social birds, often mixing with other goose species on migration and wintering grounds.
Ross’s Goose (Anser rossii)
Found in: North America.
The Ross’s Goose is a miniature, all-white version of the Snow Goose, with a very short, stubby, pinkish bill that lacks the black “grinning patch” of its larger cousin. Its small size and high-pitched, squeaking call help distinguish it in mixed flocks. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a hardy bird that breeds in the central Canadian Arctic.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)
Found in: Africa; introduced in parts of Europe and the United States.
Technically a sheldgoose, this species is an intermediate between true geese and ducks. It is easily identified by its distinctive dark brown eye patch set against a pale, buff-colored head and neck. A noisy and territorial bird, it is often seen in pairs or small family groups perched on trees or banks near water.
Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides)
Found in: Eastern Asia.
This large, stately goose is the wild ancestor of the Chinese and African domestic goose breeds. It possesses a long, black bill and a dark brown crown that contrasts sharply with its lighter neck and body. Sadly, this species is classified as Vulnerable due to relentless hunting pressure and the widespread loss of its wetland and grassland habitats.
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)
Found in: North America.
Once considered a small subspecies of the Canada Goose, the Cackling Goose is now recognized as a separate species. It is noticeably smaller and more compact, with a short, stubby bill and a higher-pitched, yelping call. It breeds in the high Arctic and typically forms its own distinct flocks, separate from the larger Canada Geese during migration and winter.
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus)
Found in: Breeds in the Arctic (Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard); winters in Northwestern Europe.
This medium-sized goose is named for its distinctive pinkish-black bill and matching pink legs. Its body is a soft gray-brown with a dark head and neck that contrast with its lighter breast. It is a highly gregarious species, forming immense, noisy flocks on its wintering grounds in agricultural fields and estuaries.
Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)
Found in: Breeds in the Arctic tundra and taiga of Eurasia; winters in temperate regions.
A large, long-necked goose with a dark, heavy bill that is typically tipped with orange or yellow. Its plumage is generally dark gray-brown, providing excellent camouflage in its northern breeding habitats. Several subspecies vary in bill shape and size, reflecting adaptations to different foraging strategies in their specific ranges.
Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus)
Found in: Breeds in the Arctic tundra of Eurasia; winters in Southeastern Europe and Eastern Asia.
A smaller, more delicate relative of the Greater White-fronted Goose, it shares the white facial patch and black belly bars. It is distinguished by its much smaller size, a more extensive white forehead that extends up the crown, and a bright yellow eye-ring. This species is globally vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting.
Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis)
Found in: Breeds on the Arctic tundra of Siberia; winters around the Black Sea.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful waterfowl, this small goose has a stunningly intricate plumage of black, white, and rich chestnut-red. Its striking appearance makes it unmistakable. It is a species of high conservation concern, often nesting near birds of prey for protection and facing threats on its migratory route.
Nene (Hawaiian Goose) (Branta sandvicensis)
Found in: Hawaiian Islands.
The Nene is the state bird of Hawaii and a powerful symbol of conservation success, having been brought back from the brink of extinction. It has adapted to life on rugged volcanic slopes, with less webbing on its feet and longer legs for walking. Its plumage is buff-colored with black facial stripes and a deeply furrowed neck.
Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)
Found in: Northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
An ancient, unique waterfowl that is the sole member of its family, showing an evolutionary link between ducks and geese. It is black and white with long legs and partially webbed feet, and often perches in trees. Its bill is slightly hooked, and unlike true geese, it has a slow, flapping flight with methodical wingbeats.
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)
Found in: Sub-Saharan Africa.
This is the largest waterfowl in Africa, a powerful and heavy bird with a striking black, white, and iridescent green plumage. Its name comes from the sharp, bony spur on the bend of the wing, which is used in territorial disputes. It is often seen in small flocks near rivers, lakes, and floodplains.
Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
Found in: Southern Australia, particularly offshore islands.
A heavy, pale gray goose that is almost entirely terrestrial, feeding by grazing on grasses. It has a short, black bill with a conspicuous greenish-yellow cere, giving it a unique appearance. Its loud, trumpeting call carries across the coastal grasslands and islands it inhabits.
Orinoco Goose (Oressochen jubatus)
Found in: Northern South America.
A distinctive, long-legged sheldgoose of tropical forest rivers and wetlands. The male is handsomely patterned with a white head, a black neck, and a chestnut-brown body, while the female has a smoky-gray head. It is often seen in pairs or small family groups and perches readily in trees.
Ashy-headed Goose (Chloephaga poliocephala)
Found in: Southern South America (Chile and Argentina).
A medium-sized, strikingly patterned sheldgoose. It has a gray head, a chestnut-brown breast band, and barred black-and-white flanks. It breeds in the temperate forests of Patagonia and migrates north to more open grasslands and wetlands for the winter.
Kelp Goose (Chloephaga hybrida)
Found in: Southernmost South America, including Tierra del Fuego.
This sheldgoose exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism. The male is pure white with a black bill, while the female is dark, barred black and white. They are almost exclusively coastal, grazing on seaweed and other marine vegetation along rocky shorelines.
Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
Found in: The high Andes of South America.
A beautiful, high-altitude sheldgoose with a brilliant white body, black wings and tail, and striking coral-pink bill and legs. It is a hardy grazer, found in pairs or small flocks in the puna grasslands, often at elevations over 3,000 meters.
Upland Goose (Chloephaga picta)
Found in: Southern South America, including the Falkland Islands.
A common and conspicuous sheldgoose of grasslands. The male is white with a black-barred back, while the female is a rich chestnut-brown with fine black barring. They are primarily terrestrial grazers and are often seen in large flocks outside the breeding season.
Ruddy-headed Goose (Chloephaga rubidiceps)
Found in: Southern South America, primarily in the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego.
This small sheldgoose is named for the warm, reddish-brown head of the female; the male has a more subdued grayish head. Both sexes have finely barred black-and-white plumage on their bodies. It is a bird of open grasslands and wetlands, with the Falkland population being stable while the mainland population is critically endangered.
Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis fabalis)
Found in: Breeds in the taiga forests of Northern Europe and Asia; winters in Central Europe.
This subspecies of the Bean Goose is characterized by a long, slender neck and a long, dark bill with a narrow orange band. It prefers forest-edged bogs and marshes for breeding, distinguishing it from the tundra-breeding Tundra Bean Goose. Its call is a deep, resonant honk.
Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris)
Found in: Breeds on the Arctic tundra of Siberia; winters in East Asia and Eastern Europe.
Recently split from the Bean Goose complex, this species has a shorter, stubbier bill with a more prominent orange band. It is slightly smaller and more compact than its taiga-dwelling relative, an adaptation to its open tundra habitat. They form large, noisy flocks during migration.
Swan Goose (Domestic – Chinese Goose)
Found in: Domesticated worldwide.
This is the domestic form of the wild Swan Goose, known for the prominent knob at the base of its bill. They are large, upright birds, typically brown or white, and are known for their loud, trumpeting calls. They are highly alert and are often kept as effective “watchdog” animals on farms.
Bar-headed Goose (Domestic)
Found in: Domesticated collections worldwide.
While rarely kept, domestic strains of the Bar-headed Goose exist. They retain the wild type’s striking head pattern but may be slightly larger. They are prized in aviculture for their exceptional beauty and the remarkable biological story of their wild ancestors.
Graylag Goose (Domestic – Toulouse Goose)
Found in: Domesticated worldwide.
The Toulouse is a massive, heavy breed derived from the Greylag Goose, developed in France for liver pâté and meat. It has a deep keel, a bulky body, and a calm, sedate disposition. Its plumage is typically a dark gray, and it is a common and iconic farmyard goose.
Graylag Goose (Domestic – Embden Goose)
Found in: Domesticated worldwide.
The Embden is a pure white, large breed known for its fast growth and excellent meat quality. It has a sturdy, upright carriage, a bright orange bill, and clear blue eyes. This breed is one of the most popular and recognizable commercial white geese.
Snow Goose (Domestic – “Giant” Variant)
Found in: Domesticated collections.
Selective breeding has produced a larger, domestic variant of the Snow Goose. These birds are pure white with black wingtips, like their wild counterparts, but are often too heavy for sustained flight. They are kept for ornamental purposes and are very hardy.
Lesser White-fronted Goose (Captive-bred)
Found in: Conservation breeding programs in Europe and North America.
Captive-bred populations are crucial for the survival of this vulnerable species. These birds are used in reintroduction programs and “foster mother” projects, where they are raised by other goose species to learn safe migratory routes.
Hawaiian Goose (Captive-bred – Nene)
Found in: Zoos and breeding centers worldwide.
Captive breeding has been the cornerstone of the Nene’s recovery from the brink of extinction. These controlled populations provide a genetic safety net and a source for reintroductions to the Hawaiian islands, ensuring the continued survival of this unique island goose.
Red-breasted Goose (Captive-bred)
Found in: Zoological collections in Europe and North America.
Due to its endangered status, the stunning Red-breasted Goose is maintained in captive breeding programs. These birds serve as an insurance population and are vital for public education about the conservation threats facing the species in the wild.
Cackling Goose (Richardson’s – Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii)
Found in: Central Canadian Arctic; winters in central U.S.
This small, pale subspecies of Cackling Goose is a common and long-distance migrant. It forms large, pure flocks on its wintering grounds in states like Texas and Louisiana, where its high-pitched, yelping calls create a constant chorus.
Cackling Goose (Aleutian – Branta hutchinsii leucopareia)
Found in: Breeds on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska; winters primarily in central California.
This subspecies of Cackling Goose is distinguished by a prominent white ring at the base of its black neck, creating a striking “necklace” effect. It was once nearly driven to extinction by introduced Arctic foxes on its breeding islands but has made a remarkable recovery thanks to intensive conservation efforts, including predator removal and captive breeding.
Cackling Goose (Taverner’s – Branta hutchinsii taverneri)
Found in: Breeds in northern Alaska; winters along the Pacific Northwest coast.
A larger and darker subspecies of Cackling Goose, Taverner’s can be difficult to distinguish from small Canada Geese. It typically has a somewhat darker breast and a more sloping forehead. It frequents coastal estuaries and agricultural fields during the winter, often mixing with other goose species in large, diverse flocks.
Cackling Goose (Minima – Branta hutchinsii minima)
Found in: Breeds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska; winters in California’s Central Valley.
This is the smallest and darkest of the Cackling Goose subspecies, often described as “chunky” or “stubby-billed.” Its very short neck and tiny bill give it a distinctly compact appearance. It forms immense, spectacularly noisy flocks in its wintering grounds, creating one of North America’s great waterfowl spectacles.
Graylag Goose (Domestic – Pilgrim Goose)
Found in: Domesticated, primarily in North America and Europe.
The Pilgrim Goose is a unique auto-sexing breed, meaning the sex of the goslings can be determined by their color at hatch; males are white and females are gray. They are a medium-weight, calm, and docile breed, historically valued on small farms for their dual-purpose nature as reliable egg layers and good table birds.
Graylag Goose (Domestic – Sebastopol Goose)
Found in: Domesticated worldwide.
The Sebastopol Goose is an ornamental breed renowned for its spectacular, curled, and elongated white feathers that drape loosely from its body, wings, and tail, giving it a frilly, “disheveled” appearance. These feathers are the result of a genetic mutation that makes them soft and unable to lock together, rendering the bird largely flightless.