Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Geese
Oies
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 geese species in the goose family, 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, Cackling Goose.
Then, there is also the Brant, Greater White-fronted Goose, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Ross's and the Snow Goose. The
Ross's Goose and Snow Goose comes in white plumage and a bluish-black dark morph plumage. There are the vagrants
such as the Emperor Goose, Barnacle Goose, Graylag Goose, Bean Goose, Bar-headed Goose and Pink-footed Goose, that sometimes
show up on our North American coastlines.
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 be all white or have the same markings like its wild cousin but has a much heavier body. There is also the Egyptian Goose and Swan Goose which is also known as the "Chinese Goose".
References to Other Bird Sites:
These are links to websites pertaining to the different birding institutions, societies and organizations here in North America. Some of these same sites are a great asset to seeking out knowledge on birds in other regions of the world. Each of these links offer the user different methods to identify birds, whether it be by regions, habitat, appearance or maybe colour. Knowledge on the possibilities of where and what birds might be present are included.
Hinterland Who's Who Welcome to the Web site for Hinterland Who's Who It all started in 1963, with black-and-white vignettes about the loon, the moose, the gannet and the beaver. For more than 50 years, Hinterland Who’s Who has proudly been bringing Canada’s iconic wildlife directly into Canadians’ homes. Re-launched in 2003, the new series serves to rebuild the connection thousands of viewers made with wildlife through the original series. Welcome to our new website! Have a look around, and learn how you can help ensure that the wildlife remains part of what it means to be Canadian.
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.
The description to follow is taken from the AOS Home Page.
AOS - The American Ornitholgy Society is an international society devoted to advancing the scientific understanding of birds, enriching ornithology as a profession, and promoting a rigorous scientific basis for the conservation of birds. As one of the world's oldest and largest ornithological societies, AOS produces scientific publications of the highest quality, hosts intellectually engaging and professionally vital meetings, serves ornithologists at every career stage, pursues a global perspective, and informs public policy on all issues important to ornithology and ornithological collections. AOS is distinguished by its tremendous collective expertise, including eminent scientists, conservation practitioners, early career innovators, and students.
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.