Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 31, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Birds

Goose

A goose is any of several large waterfowl in the family Anatidae, especially species in the genera Anser and Branta.

Updated July 31, 20261 min readCited sources

A goose is a large waterfowl in the family Anatidae. The plural of goose is geese.

What it is

Geese are heavy-bodied, long-necked birds in the genera Anser and Branta. They are larger than ducks, smaller than swans, and live near wetlands, lakes, and grasslands.

Key details

Many geese migrate in V-shaped formations and form long-term pair bonds. They feed mainly on grasses and aquatic plants. A male goose is called a gander; a young goose is called a gosling.

Why it matters

Geese are a familiar part of the Canadian landscape, especially the Canada goose. They are common in parks, wetlands, and during seasonal migrations across the country.

In short

  • Geese are large waterfowl in the Anatidae family.
  • They are bigger than ducks and smaller than swans.
  • Many species migrate and fly in V-formation.
  • The Canada goose is a widespread bird in Canada.
Canadian angle

Geese are highly visible to Canadian readers through the Canada goose, a widespread species in Canada and across North America. Canada’s national and regional wildlife references also treat geese as a familiar part of the country’s wetlands, parks, and migration seasons.[6][15]

Quick questions

What is the plural of goose?
The plural is geese.
What is a male goose called?
A male goose is called a gander.
What is a baby goose called?
A baby goose is called a gosling.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/goose-bird
    Supports: Definition of goose; size and relation to ducks and swans; genera Anser and Branta.
  2. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/animals/vertebrate-zoology/geese
    Supports: Geese as birds in Anatidae.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/goose
    Supports: Geese in Canada; main groups Anser and Branta.
  4. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Goose
    Supports: True geese taxonomy; use of the term goose.
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ducks-geese-and-swans-anatidae
    Supports: Anatidae classification and family context.
  6. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/goose/390124
    Supports: General characteristics, diet, migration, and domestication.
  7. Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/overview
    Supports: Canada goose as a familiar North American species.