Goose

About

Common Names: Goose / Marshfowl
Classification: Bird; Large birds, of which most species exhibit seasonal migratory behaviour spending summers in northern latitudes, where appropriate food plants are plentiful, and flying to more temperate or tropical latitudes during winter months.

Size: 2.6 - 5.5 kg (5 - 12 pounds), 0.75 - 1.1 m ( 30-43 inches) length, 1.25-1.85 m (50-73 inches) wingspan
Appearance: Feathered bodies, with large stiff feathered wings suitable for extended flight, and short legs ending in webbed feet. They have long serpentine necks, and large blunt tipped beaks edged with toothy serrations.
Sexual Dimorphism: Female geese may be slightly lighter than males of a similar age.
Variance: Subspecies exist, primarily divided along appearance, and range of populations.

Habitat: Tropical to Arctic Wetlands - Migratory with seasonal availability of food.
Diet: Geese eat a variety of plants, with a preference towards grasses and grains. Some sub-species are known to eat insects and other small animals.

Social Grouping: Geese form small family units, that aggregate into larger flocks during their migratory seasons. If ideal nesting sites are not spread out giant nesting colonies can form during the brooding periods.
Temperament: Aggressive. Geese can exhibit extreme territoriality, especial regarding nest sites or potential threats to their young, even attacking much larger animals with a savage flurry of beak and wings.
Intelligence: Animal.
Reproduction: Females typically lay between 4 and 8 eggs which are brooded starting in late spring. By the time of the fall migration these young geese are capable of flight, and will return to winter habitat with the flock.

A migratory species of goose that summers on arctic lakes, rivers and marshlands. They are named for their distinctive red-brown colouration.

General: Many varieties of domesticated geese exist. Such birds lack he migratory behaviours of their wild cousins.
Resources: Eggs, meat, feathers, down