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Field Guide for all the Birds of North America

North American Geese

Oies nord-américains

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 native goose species seen in North America, 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, the Cackling Goose.

Then, there is also the Brant, Greater White-fronted Goose, Ross's and the Snow Goose. The Ross's Goose and Snow Goose can be observed in white plumage or a bluish-black dark morph plumage. 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 have a white plumage or it can have the same markings as its wild cousin but having a much heavier body. There is also the domestic Egyptian Goose and Swan Goose, which is also known as the "Chinese Goose".

Click on the bird images or names to see the native Geese seen in North America

Aleutian Cackling Goose

Cackling Goose

Canada Goose

Egyptian Goose

Emperor Goose

Ross's Goose

Snow Goose

Snow Goose (blue-morph)

Greater White-fronted Goose

Domestic Chinese White Goose

Domestic Graylag Goose

Domestic Swan Goose

Hybrid Goose

References to Other Bird Sites:

Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.

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.

I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.

Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB