78 
ANSERIFORMES 
Figure 116 a 
Comparative sizes and colorations of the various subspecies of Canada Goose. 
The geese are more terrestrial 
and herbivorous than the ducks, but 
they are equally at home on the water. 
They do not normally dive, but secure 
food from the bottom by tipping 
and, by means of their long necks, 
reach considerable depths. The sexes 
are alike and there is little seasonal 
change of plumage. Geese are ex- 
cellent table-birds and for this reason 
and on account of their superior size 
are much sought after by sports- 
men. Geese are exceedingly wary and although they take better care to 
avoid danger than many other large game birds, their former numbers 
have been greatly reduced. 
172. Canada Goose, honker, grey goose, calling goose, l’outarde cana- 
dienne. Branta canadensis. L, 23-39. Plate IV B. A grey-brown goose, usually 
lighter below, somewhat wave-marked with lighter feather edges. Head and neck black 
with white cheek patches. In size it is variable and may be as small as a large mallard 
weighing less than 4 pounds, whereas the record for size is 18 pounds. Underparts may 
be nearly white or as dark as the back. The cheek spots may or may not be joined to- 
gether under the chin and there may be a narrow white collar at the base of the black neck 
or “stocking.” There is very little difference in plumage with sex or age. 
Distinctions. This highly variable species may always be recognized by its black head 
and neck, the so-called stocking, which stops abruptly at the shoulders, and the con- 
spicuous white cheek patches. It can be confused with no other species at present recognized. 
Field Marks. The black stocking, white cheek patches, and the sonorous and well- 
known Jhonk are the best of field marks. 
Nesting. On the ground in the grass, on hummocks and elevations like old hay-cocks, 
or occasionally in hawk’s deserted nests in the tops of tall trees. 
