The Canada Goose is the most familiar goose in North America, recognized by its black head and neck with a white chin strap. It has benefited enormously from suburban lawn habitats and no longer migrates in much of the eastern US, instead residing year-round on golf courses and parks. Pairs mate for life and both parents actively defend goslings.
Best time to see a Canada Goose
The best time to see a Canada Goose is January–May, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 307,158 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Canada Goose? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Canada Goose sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Canada Goose?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.