Canada geese in North America
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- Document: Report
- Larger Work: Our living resources: A report to the nation on the distribution, abundance, and health of U.S. plants, animals, and ecosystems
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are probably more abundant now than at any time in history. They rank first among wildlife watchers and second among harvests of waterfowl species in North America. Canada geese are also the most widely distributed and phenotypically (visible characteristics of the birds) variable species of bird in North America. Breeding populations now exist in every province and territory of Canada and in 49 of the 50 United States. The size of the 12 recognized subspecies range from 1.4 kg (3-lb) cackling Canada goose (B.c. minima) to the 5.0 kg (11-lb) giant Canada goose (B.c. maxima; Delacour 1954; Bellrose 1976).
Market hunting and poor stewardship led to record low numbers of geese in the early 1900's, but regulated seasons including closures, refuges, and law enforcement led to restoration of most populations. Winter surveys were begun to study population trends and set responsible harvest regulations for these long-lived and diverse birds. Winter surveys begun in 1936-37 probably represent the oldest continuing index of migratory birds in North America.
| Publication type | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Title | Canada geese in North America |
| Year Published | 1995 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | National Biological Service |
| Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
| Description | 3 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Monograph |
| Larger Work Title | Our living resources: A report to the nation on the distribution, abundance, and health of U.S. plants, animals, and ecosystems |
| First page | 26 |
| Last page | 28 |
| Other Geospatial | North America |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |