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Field Guide for all the Birds of North America

Geese

Oies

Anser, Branta, Alopochen & Chen

Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities

North American Bird Search Box

There are at least nine geese species in the goose family, not including exotic species and domesticated varieties. The Canada Goose is the most plentiful and is seen throughout North America. There are no less than six sub-species ranging from the Common Canada Goose, Lesser Canada Goose, Richardson's Canada Goose, Aleutian Canada Goose, Dusky Canada Goose and the now separated with a class of its own, Cackling Goose.

Then, there is also the Brant, Greater White-fronted Goose, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Ross's and the Snow Goose. The Ross's Goose and Snow Goose comes in white plumage and a bluish-black dark morph plumage. There are the vagrants such as the Emperor Goose, Barnacle Goose, Graylag Goose, Bean Goose, Bar-headed Goose and Pink-footed Goose, that sometimes show up on our North American coastlines. Almost all the North American geese, even in individual classifications have sub-species, named "Lesser" or "Western", with each group having their subtle differences.

Other geese sometimes seen in our recreational parks, nature centres and on farms is the domesticated Graylag Goose. This bird can be all white or have the same markings like its wild cousin but has a much heavier body. There is also the Egyptian Goose and Swan Goose which is also known as the "Chinese Goose".

Click on the bird images or names to see the native and non-native Geese that has been seen in North America

North American Geese

Eurasian Geese

Reference to Other Bird Site:

ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.

Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB