goose

Geese are magnificent water birds with striking colors and impressive size that can be found in a wide variety of habitats - from wetlands to agricultural areas. They play an important role in ecosystems and fascinate with their social behavior, their distinctive migratory strategy and their adaptability.

This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the biology and lifestyle of geese and emphasizes the importance of their protection and conservation in different habitats.

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Profile: goose

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Birds (Aves)
    • Order: Ducks (Anseriformes)
    • Family: Ducks (Anatidae)
    • Genus: Anser (for wild geese) and other genera such as Branta (for Canada geese)
    • Species: Various species, e.g. Greylag Goose (Anser anser), Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 55-100 cm, depending on the species
    • Wingspan: 120-200 cm
    • Weight: 2-8 kg
    • Special features: Long-necked birds, strong build, mostly grey or brown plumage with white spots, orange legs and beak, distinctive vocalizations (gagg-gerr-gack).

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Australia
    • Habitat: Wetlands such as lakes, ponds, rivers, wet meadows and swamps; also found in urban areas and on agricultural land.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Herbivore and Omnivore
    • Typical food: grasses, herbs, seeds, roots, berries, cereals; occasionally also insects and small vertebrates.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: spring to summer
    • Nesting behavior: Nests are built in tufts of grass, on the ground or on elevated places such as platforms.
    • Eggs: 4-12 eggs per clutch
    • Brood care: Females incubate the eggs, males defend the territory and help raise the chicks
    • Habits: Usually social, both in small groups and in large flocks, especially during migration. Geese are migratory birds that travel long distances every year.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: 10-20 years, depending on species and living conditions
    • Endangered status: Some species are threatened in their natural habitat, particularly due to habitat loss, hunting and pollution.
    • Conservation measures: protection and restoration of wetlands, sustainable hunting practices, avoiding disturbance of breeding sites.