This advice will help you identify the species of geese observed in California, as well as guide your observations with pictures and in-depth identification guides.
California has been home to ten of the thirteen types of geese found in North America.
A gaggle is a collection of geese. Yet have you heard geese referred to as shien, wedge, and plump names?
Or maybe their territorial behavior and loud honking have been used for centuries to protect pets, people, and even nations!
In the United States, it is unlawful to harm geese, their eggs, or their nests without authorization from the US. USFWS (United States Fish and Wild Service)
You should learn more about ducks in California or swans in California if you enjoy seeing waterbirds in California.
10 Types Of Geese In California:
1. Canada Goose
All year, Canada Geese may be seen in California. Summer checklists and winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers for the state include them in 13% of each.
The Canada Goose is a huge, long-necked goose with a black head and a clearly visible white chin strap that is widely recognized.
The long, graceful neck and enormous bulk of Canada Geese separate them from Cackling Geese, who have the same black head and white chin strap.
Brown bodies with a tan or pale chest and white rump are their natural color. The bodies of the subspecies might range in color from gray to brown. Their legs and webs are black, as are their eyes.
- Branta canadensis
- Length: 25 – 45 in (64 – 114 cm)
- Weight: 230.09 oz (6521 g)
- Wingspan: 70 – 75 in (178 – 190 cm)
Canada Geese breed in Canada and migrate to southern US states during the winter, but they remain in northern US states all year and do not migrate. Western Europe is also home to them.
Canada Geese may be found in almost every habitat. They generally live near lakes and rivers, in other words, wherever there is a body of water and an plentiful food supply. They also live comfortably in urban habitats such as city parks, reservoirs, golf courses, public parks, and beaches because they are used to humans.
Their population has grown significantly in some areas, and they’re considered pests.
When they are on the ground, Canada Geese eat grasses, while in the water, they eat tiny aquatic insects and fish. While they’re on agricultural fields, they also consume wheat, rice, and corn. They’ve been trained to hunt for food or rummage through trash bins.
Canada Geese nests are frequently found near water, in an elevated area. In a nest made of plant material and down, the female lays up to nine eggs. While the male stays nearby, protecting the eggs, she incubates them for around a month.
Their parents take them to a feeding source when they are born, where they learn to eat. When parents sense danger or threats to their family, they become exceedingly territorial and violent.
Fun Fact: Since adults are molting at the same time as they breed, they lose their flight feathers during the breeding season. They only regrow their feathers after about twenty to forty days, just in time for their young to fly.
2. Greater White-fronted Goose
From September through May, Greater White-fronted Geese are most commonly spotted in California, accounting for 3% of checklists during this period. Throughout the year, you may see some of them.
White-fronted Goose in Europe and Greater Whitefront in North America are two names for the same species.
Greater White-fronted Geese are both fairly big geese, and both sexes look similar.
They are frequently mistaken for the Graylag Goose because their barred feathers are mostly gray all-over. The white front, or the white feathers surrounding the base of its orange beak, distinguishes them. On their underparts, they have black flecks as well.
- Anser albifrons
- Length: 26 – 34 in (66 -86 cm)
- Weight: 126.98 oz (3599 g)
- Wingspan: 53 – 60 in (135 – 152 cm)
Greater White-fronted Geese breed in Canada and migrate to the United States and Mexico for the winter season in North America. Nonetheless, Europe and east Asia are also home to them.
The West Coast of the United States, The Gulf Coast, and Mexico are home to Greater White-fronted Geese, which breed in the west of northern Canada during winter.
During the breeding season, Greater White-fronted Geese can be found in marshy tundra, wetlands, rivers, and ponds. Agricultural lands, marshes, bays, and lakes are where they spend the winter.
Both land and water are used by Greater White-fronted Geese. They eat agricultural field seeds and grains. Grasses and berries are also eaten by them. They hunt for aquatic insects and mollusks while near water.
In shallow depressions in the tundra, Greater White-fronted Geese nests may be found. These are frequently found to contain three to six eggs, and they are lined with grass and down. Over the course of two to three weeks, the female incubates them.
Fun Fact: Long-term family ties exist among Greater White-fronted Geese. They travel together, and the young remain with their parents until the following breeding season. They migrate with their children.
3. Snow Goose
During the winter months of October through March, Snow Geese are most often seen in California, although they may also be seen throughout the year. On winter checklists, they account for 3% of the items.
Except for its black wingtips, pink beak, and pink legs and feet, the Snow Goose is appropriately named because it is totally white.
It also comes in a blue variation called the Blue Goose, with a white head and a dark blue-gray body. Due to their feeding, both Snow Geese types may have a “stained” head now and then.
Both forms have comparable sexes, yet they may vary in size. Males outnumber females in almost every way.
Dusky gray-brown juveniles result from the white morphs, while dark gray adults result from the blue morphs. The distinctive pink beak and black grin patch, on the other hand, are still present.
- Anser caerulescens
- Length: 25 – 31 in (64 – 79 cm)
- Weight: 81.13 oz (2299 g)
- Wingspan: 54.3 in (138 cm)
Snow Geese live in the United States during the winter and breed in Canada.
In freshwater marshes and agricultural grain fields, you may see both Snow Geese and Blue Geese. They prefer salt marshes and coastal coves throughout the winter, but they will visit plowed fields or wetlands as well.
Snow geese are grazing herbivores that eat a lot of food. Water-logged soil or shallow water is often used for feeding. Grasses, sedges, willows, rushes, and horsetails are among the foods they favor. Seeds, grains, and plants ripped up by their roots will also be eaten.
Large colonies of Snow Geese nests may be found on tundra. Since females return to the location where they hatched to breed, the female creates a nest, which is typically a shallow depression on the ground that she may reuse multiple times.
She lines the nest with grasses and down after she has laid the first three to five eggs. The goslings take around twenty-four days to incubate, and they are self-sufficient when they emerge.
Fun Fact: When Snow Geese breed, they pick the same color morph as themselves and will couple for life.
4. Cackling Goose
Between October and April, Cackling Geese spend the winter in California, accounting for 2% of checklists at that time. Others, however, may be seen all year in the state.
Canada Geese look a lot like Cackling Geese, which are indigenous to North America. They were established as a separate species in 2004 after being formerly classified as part of the Canada Goose family.
The heads and necks of cackling geese are black, with a white “chinstrap.” Their charges are small, black, and triangular. They have white stripes on their bodies and are pale brown or tan.
Cackling Geese, on the other hand, have stubbier bills, steeper foreheads, and shorter necks than Canada Geese.
The white chinstrap subspecies is the only one that has a black head and neck, despite minor distinctions in size or coloration.
- Branta hutchinsii
- Length: 22 – 30 in (56 – 76 cm)
- Weight: 105.9 oz (3001 g)
- Wingspan: 43 – 47 in (109 – 119 cm)
Cackling Geese migrate to the United States for the winter after breeding in Canada and Alaska.
Cackling Geese may be seen year-round in wetlands and meadows. In winter, they prefer the tundra, but in the summer, they join flocks and mingle with other geese on lakes, marshes, and fields.
Grasses and sedges and berries are eaten by Cackling Geese in open areas. In agricultural fields, they will also devour crops like wheat, barley, beans, rice, and corn. They eat aquatic plants in the water.
Cackling Goose nests may be found alone or in groups. They’re generally found near the water, in a shallow depression. Females build the nests by using plant materials and down. She will lay up to eight eggs in this nest, which she will incubate for around a month.
Fun Fact: Cackling Geese are easily identified from Canada Geese by their distinctive “cackling” voice or high-pitched cry.
5. Brant
Throughout the year, Brant Geese may be observed in California, however their numbers grow notably during the winter. In 1% of winter checklists, they are found.
A black head, neck, and chest, a white collar or marking on the neck, and a white rump distinguish the Brant Goose from other geese. Nonetheless, there are many sub-species with varying colors, the most common of which is white.
- Branta bernicla
- Length: 22 – 26 in (56 – 66 cm)
- Weight: 63.84 oz (1809 g)
- Wingspan: 43 – 48 in (109 – 122 cm)
Before moving to coastal parts of the United States and Mexico, Brant Geese breed in Canada and Alaska. In addition, they have a home in Europe.
During the breeding season, Brant Geese may be found in tundra, marshlands, islands, and coastal regions. Salt marshes, lagoons, mudflats, and tidal estuaries are where they spend the winter.
On land and in water, Brant geese eat mostly plant material. They tend to favor eelgrass, although they’ll eat any grass. Sedges, pondweed, and aquatic insects are among the foods they consume.
Nests of Brant Geese are usually located on small islands in tundra ponds or in elevated locations. They are shallow bowls of grass lined with down.
In tundra ponds or on elevated sites, Brant Geese nests are often found on small islands. They’re down-lined shallow grass bowls.
The female lays up to seven eggs that incubate for three to four weeks. When the eggs hatch, the parents lead the young to the feeding area so they can feed themselves.
The female lays seven eggs that take three to four weeks to incubate. The parents transport the young to the feeding area after the eggs have hatched, so they may feed themselves.
Fun Fact: Brant geese have a lifespan of up to 28 years.
6. Egyptian Goose
Egyptian geese are a non-native species that may be seen throughout California at any time of year.
The Egyptian Goose is a decorative bird that has become invasive in several nations, including zoos and aviaries.
Egyptian Geese have a lot of telltale traits that distinguish them from other geese. A brown patch surrounds their golden-yellow or orange eyes. Their bills are pink on top and black on the bottom, and their heads are whitish-gray with some reddish tints at the nape.
The collar of these dogs is reddish-brown. Their backs and wings are a mix of white, green, brown, and black, while their breasts are tan. Their bellies have gray linings with a gray lining. Pink-colored legs and feet distinguish them.
The head and nape of juveniles are a deeper reddish-brown. Their bellies are usually tan or light brown. Dark brown is the color of their backs and wings.
- Alopochen aegyptiaca
- Length: 24 – 29 in (61 – 74 cm)
- Weight: 70 – 77.5 oz (1984 – 2196 g)
- Wingspan: 52 – 60 in (132 – 152 cm)
Egyptian geese have a presence in Europe and North America, despite their indigenous origin in Africa.
Egyptian Goose may be found in watery environments, open wetlands, and non-wooded regions. Zoos and aviaries are also common places to keep them.
Seeds, leaves, grasses, and plant stems are favorite foods for Egyptian geese. Algae and aquatic plants, as well as insects and tiny creatures, will be devoured.
Egyptian Goose nests may be discovered on the ground, in tree hollows, caves, and other animal dens. The nests, which hold up to twenty-two eggs and take around a month to hatch, are mostly made of grasses, leaves, and down.
The young must learn how to feed themselves, but parents will look after them.
Fun Fact: In Ancient Egypt, the Egyptian Goose was widely revered as a holy bird, and it appears in many Egyptian paintings.
7. Ross’s Goose
From November to March, Ross’ Geese are most commonly seen in California, and they appear on 1% of winter checklists.
Snow Geese, with whom Ross’s geese frequently flock, are very similar to Ross’s geese. Their short, gray-based red-orange beaks, pink-red legs and feet, and black wingtips are the only things that distinguish them from other white birds. The female is somewhat smaller than the male.
Ross’ Goose has a dark phase variant, but it’s only seen on rare occasions. It has a brownish beak with a crimson patch, dark gray breasts, underparts, and back. It has a white head.
- Anser rossii
- Length: 21 – 26 in (53 – 66 cm)
- Weight: 59.2 oz (1678 g)
- Wingspan: 47 – 54 in (119 – 137 cm)
The Geese breed owned by Ross spend the winter in the United States, where they are raised in northern Canada.
Throughout the winter, you may see Ross’ Geese in both salt and freshwater marshes. They will nest on the arctic tundra throughout the breeding season.
Ross’ geese are grazers that feed on grass, sedges, and little grains gathered from marshes, meadows, and fields.
On lake islands and arctic tundra, nests of Ross’ Geese may be found in colonies. Females use grasses, moss, leaves, and twigs to line the inside of their nests with down. Each breeding lady deposits four to five eggs, which she protects for three weeks while they are incubating.
Fun Fact: The little geese of Ross are the tiniest in North America.
8. Emperor Goose
Emperor Geese are a near-threatened species in California, and they can be found here from October to April during the winter. They are a rare species in the state.
Because they prefer coastal habitats, Emperor Geese are also known as Beach Geese. Because of their lovely feathers, they are also known as Painted Geese.
Emperor Geese of both sexes appear to be the same. Their heads are white, their bills are pink, their chins and throats are black, and their bodies have scalloped patterns. Their legs and tails are yellow-orange.
As Emperor Geese feed in tidal pools with iron oxide during the summer, their heads turn reddish-brown or orange.
The coloring of juveniles is duller. The heads and necks are dark. Their legs are darker in color, and their bills are grayish-black.
- Anser canagicus
- Length: 26 – 28 in (66 – 71 cm)
- Weight: 110.37 oz (3128 g)
- Wingspan: 48 – 56 in (122 – 142 cm)
The Emperor Geese breed winters in the arctic and sub-arctic north, near the Bering Sea.
Throughout the summer, you may observe Emperor Geese in freshwater tidal pools, inland lakes, and coastal lagoons. Mudflats, rocky coasts, and coastal tundra are all habitats for them in the winter.
Emperor Goose diet varies depending on their habitat and season. They feed entirely on grasses, sedges, berries, roots, and bulbs during the breeding and nesting season.
They forage on mudflats during the winter, stamping their feet to dislodge clams and puddling. Crustaceans, bivalve mollusks, barnacles, eelgrass, and sea lettuce are among the foods they eat when they’re on or near water.
Emperor Goose nests are often found among the marshes, in shallow depressions in the ground. The nest is lined with leaves and feathers by the female, who deposits four to six eggs in it.
In other Emperor Geese nests, however, she may still lay up to eight more eggs…gutsy!
The female incubates for twenty-four days. After a few hours, the goslings can walk, swim, and feed themselves.
Fun Fact: The adult white crown and nape of the Emperor Goose, which look like ermine trim on a royal cloak, are what give it its name.
9. Tundra Bean-Goose
In California, tundra bean-geese are an uncommon species that has been designated as an accidental species. In the year 2021, they were last seen in Humboldt.
Some authorities still consider the Tundra Bean-Goose to be a single species, despite the fact that it is closely related to the Taiga Bean-Goose. They are already recognized as separate species by the American Ornithological Society and the International Ornithologists Union.
With an orange band towards the middle, Tundra Bean-Geese have a brown head and a black beak. Their backs and wings have a dark brown barring pattern, while their throats and flanks have light brown barring. White rumps cover their bottoms. Orange is the color of their legs and feet.
Juveniles have a yellow beak, dull orange legs, and faint barring on the flanks, but boys and girls appear similar.
The Tundra Bean Goose has a shorter beak with a smaller orange band on the bill, whereas Taiga Bean Goose has a longer beak with a bigger orange marking.
- Anser serrirostris
- Length: 28 – 33 in (71 – 84 cm)
- Weight:120 oz (3401 g)
- Wingspan: 53 – 64 in (135 – 163 cm)
In Europe, but not in North America, Taiga Bean Geese may be found.
Tundra Bean-Goose, especially during breeding season, may be found in tundra. Marshes, wet grasslands, lakes, and enormous rivers are all likely locations in the winter. They also enjoy the company of other geese in rural areas.
Tundra Bean-Geese eat grass, seeds, and tiny animals in the wetlands, but they consume cereal grains, potatoes, and other crops in agricultural fields.
Tundra Bean-Geese nests are often discovered amid the tundra vegetation. Nests are constructed of lichen and moss down, which are placed in a shallow scrape. The female incubates four to six eggs for twenty-six days while laying them.
Fun Fact: Tundra Bean-Goose are fussy about their surroundings, so vacant grazing pastures are ideal for them.
10. Barnacle Goose
In California, barnacle geese are an accident. They were last seen in the state around San Jacinto Wildlife Area in 2008, and they are quite uncommon.
These medium-sized yet delicate-looking geese are called Barnacle Geese. Their bills are tiny and black, their head, neck, and upper chest are black, their bellies are white, and their wings and back are silver-gray with black and white stripes.
V-shaped rumps and silver-gray lining are visible when in the air.
- Branta leucopsis
- Length: 23 – 28 in (58 – 71 cm)
- Weight: 62.4 oz (1768 g)
- Wingspan: 52 – 56 in (132 – 142 cm)
The North Atlantic is home to Barnacle Geese, who breed and winter throughout eastern Canada and the northeastern US.
Salt marshes, grassy plains, pastureland, and agricultural plains are all good places to look for Barnacle Geese. They frequently use islets, islands, and cliff ledges near to shore during the breeding season.
Whether on tundra, near water, or on agricultural fields, Barnacle Geese feed primarily on grass. When near water and crops and grains in fields, they also feed on aquatic vegetation and insects.
To keep the eggs safe from predators, Barnacle Geese nests are commonly built on cliff ledges. The nest is lined with soft down feathers and built by the female using mud and dead foliage.
The female incubates five eggs for twenty-five days after they have been laid. The juvenile are taken to marshes with plenty of greenery so that they may feed themselves once the eggs hatch. After roughly 45 days, they were able to fledge.
Fun Fact: The name Barnacle Goose comes from a Medieval Legend of them being descended from Barnacles.