Canada goose  (Branta canadensis)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

After its introduction as an ornamental species, the Canada goose did not spread away from parks and stately homes until after the Second World War (3). It has since increased greatly in numbers, and its range has expanded throughout Britain (3), although it is not as common in Scotland and Wales (5). Its natural range occurs throughout Canada and northern USA. It has also been introduced to Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Norway (5).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

In Britain, the Canada goose can be found on ornamental lakes, as well as ponds and flooded grasslands (5) and reservoirs, gravel pits, canal and river banks (6). In North America it inhabits lakes and marshes in wooded areas (5).

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