Geese and swans are among the largest birds in the US!
Assuming you’re close to a big physique of water, discovering not less than just a few species shouldn’t be too arduous. They’re pretty widespread in most lakes, estuaries, wetlands, lagoons, bays, or anyplace else they will discover meals. Most forms of geese and swans are additionally commonly noticed in farm fields through the winter months, consuming leftover crops.
As we speak, you’ll find out about 16 forms of swans and geese that reside in the US!
For every species, I present some enjoyable details and the right way to establish them by sight OR sound. Be sure to concentrate to the vary maps to see which of those birds reside close to you!
#1. Canada Goose
- Giant goose with an extended black neck and a particular white cheek patch.
- Brown physique with a pale white chest and underparts.
- Black toes and legs.
Canada Geese are extraordinarily widespread in the US.
I’m positive you in all probability acknowledge these birds, as they’re very comfy dwelling round individuals and human improvement. Search for them wherever there are grasses or grains to eat, akin to lawns, parks, farm fields, and golf programs.
Canada Goose Vary Map
Actually, these geese are so considerable that many individuals take into account them pests for the quantity of waste they produce! You probably have a manicured garden maintained to the water’s edge, you have got an open invitation for these birds to go to.
The Canada Goose can also be straightforward to establish whereas flying overhead. Should you see a flock of huge birds in a V-formation, it’s most certainly them. Flying this fashion helps preserve vitality, and totally different birds take turns main the way in which.
Canada Geese make all kinds of loud honks and cackles. They’ve even hissed at me for unintentionally approaching a nest too carefully. Pay attention beneath!
Should you’re , you could possibly see a Canada Goose at my bird-feeding station proper now! I’ve a LIVE high-definition digital camera watching my feeders 24/7. ???? Search for them on the bottom consuming corn.
#2. Snow Goose
- Most of those birds are all white with black tail feathers. However some people show a “blue morph,” whose heads are nonetheless white however our bodies are sooty grey.
- Pink legs.
- Pink invoice, which has a black patch on all sides.
Through the breeding season, Snow Geese spend their time within the continent’s northernmost areas, away from human civilization. You’ll solely see this goose in the US once they migrate south in fall and winter.
Snow Goose Vary Map
Search for these birds in giant fields and our bodies of water. It’s often not arduous to seek out them if they’re round, as they’re nearly all the time seen in large flocks accompanied by a variety of honking!
Actually, one of the vital spectacular issues you’ll watch at this time is the video beneath, which exhibits an ENORMOUS flock of Snow Geese. It’s arduous to fathom what number of birds are touring collectively!
As you’ll be able to in all probability hear from the video above, Snow Geese are one of many noisiest waterfowl you’ll encounter in the US. Their nasally, one-syllable honk may be heard at any time of day or night time, at any time of the yr!
And lastly, here’s a enjoyable indisputable fact that my children liked to be taught. Snow Geese are prolific at pooping, and so they defecate between 6 – 15 instances per hour. ????
#3. Ross’s Goose
- Small, stocky goose that’s fully white, apart from black wingtips. They’re barely bigger than a Mallard duck.
- A stubby red-orange invoice that has a grey base.
- Legs and toes are additionally red-orange.
Ross’s Goose seems to be similar to the Snow Goose, besides they’re smaller and have a shorter neck and stubbier invoice. It’s widespread for these two species to journey collectively in the identical giant flocks!
Ross’s Goose Vary Map
Populations of Ross’s Goose have been growing on account of local weather change. As their summer season breeding grounds within the Arctic are warming, the snow cowl has been lowered, which will increase plant progress. Extra crops imply extra meals for Ross’s Goose, which results in extra infants being born and surviving!
Throughout migration and the non-breeding season, these geese may be seen in the US in marshes, lakes, and farm fields, the place they take pleasure in consuming leftover crops.
Should you see a flock of white geese flying overhead, pay attention for Ross’s Goose, which supplies a particular “keekkeek keek” name. It can sound increased in pitch than a Snow Goose.
#4. Cackling Goose
At first look, the Cackling Goose seems to be an identical to a Canada Goose! Actually, the plumage is sort of precisely the identical, and these two birds was once categorised as the identical species.
However upon additional investigation, one can find that the Cackling Goose is smaller, has a stubbier invoice, shorter necks (most obvious when in flight), and a extra rounded head.
Cackling Goose Vary Map
Cackling Geese may be discovered breeding in small lakes and marshes within the arctic tundra. Throughout migration and in winter, they’re mostly seen in agricultural fields through the day. At night time, they return to giant lakes or wetlands to roost.
One other method that this species may be recognized from Canada Geese is by sound. Pay attention for the higher-pitched honking of the Cackling Goose.
#5. Larger White-fronted Goose
- Largely brown, with black barring on their stomach and a white undertail.
- Pink-orange invoice with a white patch of feathers on the base.
- Orange legs.
These birds breed within the arctic tundra however then migrate south for winter. Search for these geese in the US in giant flocks in wetlands, lakes, and farm fields.
Larger White-fronted Goose Vary Map
Larger White-fronted Geese have INCREDIBLY sturdy household bonds. Mated pairs migrate with one another and keep collectively for a few years. Their offspring even stick round for longer than most different species, and it’s common to see the younger with their mother and father via the following breeding season.
Their flight name is comparatively straightforward to establish. Pay attention for a two to three-syllable sound that resembles laughing.
#6. Brant
- Black chest, head, and invoice. Largely brown physique with white on the edges and beneath.
- A small and compact goose with a brief invoice.
- Distinctive white patch on the facet of the neck.
Like many different goose species, Brants nest within the Arctic in wetlands. As soon as the climate turns chilly, they migrate south.
These geese may be seen in the US in coastal areas, the place they will discover aquatic vegetation to eat in sheltered bays, estuaries, and lagoons. Brants are strictly vegetarian, with eelgrass and enormous algae enjoying a big a part of their food regimen.
Brant Vary Map
Whereas they fly overhead, pay attention for a “crrronk” name, which sounds guttural and is just like a Sandhill Crane.
#7. Tundra Swan
- Giant, solely white hen with an extended white neck.
- Fully black invoice.
- To establish accurately, search for a yellow patch on their black facial pores and skin beneath the attention.
- Smaller than Trumpeter Swans.
You’ll not see Tundra Swans in the US throughout summer season, as they spend the breeding season within the distant Arctic. Search for them in winter and migration, the place they’re guests to many giant our bodies of water. Additionally they go to farm fields in giant flocks, on the lookout for meals.
Tundra Swans kind long-term, devoted relationships. Usually, by the point they’re 2 or 3, they’ve discovered a accomplice. As soon as that occurs, these two birds will breed, feed, roost, and journey collectively year-round.
The commonest sound these birds make is a “hoo-ho-hoo” bugle, with the second syllable being emphasised. (Pay attention beneath)
One other typical sound related to Tundra Swans is the whistling of their wings. Actually, Lewis and Clark initially referred to as them “whistling swans” once they first encountered them, and many individuals nonetheless use this identify at this time.
#8. Trumpeter Swan
- An enormous, white hen with an extended neck.
- Black invoice and black facial pores and skin on the base of the invoice. It lacks the yellow that seems on the Tundra Swan.
- Black legs.
Trumpeter Swans are the biggest hen native to the US!
They’ve a wingspan of virtually 6 toes (1.8 m) and weigh round 25 kilos (11.3 kg), which is about twice the quantity of a Tundra Swan. They’re so huge that about 100 yards of open water is required for them to get sufficient pace to take off!
Trumpeter Swans had been as soon as endangered on account of overhunting, however fortunately, their inhabitants has recovered and is growing.
In contrast to Tundra Swans, this species stays in the US in summer season to nest and breed. Search for them close to ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes, and the farther from individuals, the higher!
These giant birds sometimes nest on an current construction surrounded by water, akin to beaver dams, muskrat dens, small islands, floating lots of vegetation, and synthetic platforms. Trumpeter Swans are very delicate when breeding and can generally abandon their nest websites and infants on account of human disturbance.
Deep, loud trumpets may be heard when they’re alarmed or defending their territory, which is 2 syllables with the second emphasised (“oh-OH“).
#9. Mute Swan
- An enormous white hen with an extended white neck.
- Search for the distinctive orange invoice that contains a black base and knob.
Mute Swans are among the many most elegant and delightful birds you will note within the water. They’re additionally monumental and are one of many heaviest birds that may fly!
However do you know that Mute Swans are NOT native to the US?
Because of their magnificence, Mute Swans had been imported from Europe and launched in parks, giant estates, and zoos. Sadly, these people escaped and have established an invasive wild inhabitants.
Don’t be fooled by their look; these swans may be aggressive and commonly assault kayakers and different individuals who get too near their nest. Additionally they displace native ecosystems on account of their voracious urge for food, which requires as much as 8 kilos (3.6 kg) of aquatic vegetation every day!
Regardless of their identify, these swans aren’t mute!
Whereas comparatively quiet, they make a hoarse trumpet sound when defending their territory. And if they’re threatened, count on to listen to numerous barks, hisses, and snorts.
#10. Egyptian Goose
- Regardless of being a duck, the Egyptian Goose is 24-29 inches (63 to 73 cm) tall and extra goose-like in its construct.
- The Egyptian goose is colourful and extensively valued as a decorative duck. Its physique is a pale golden-beige general, with vivid pink legs and brown circles round every eye.
- A brown patch on its pale chest helps to distinguish this species from comparable geese.
Egyptian Geese aren’t native to the US!
These water birds are native to Central and Southern Africa. They had been imported to the US since not less than 1904. Naturalized breeding colonies may be present in California, Florida, and Texas.
Female and male Egyptian Geese look very comparable. Females are sometimes smaller than males, however in any other case, there may be not a variety of sexual dimorphism.
Nonetheless, it turns into a lot simpler to inform the distinction when Egyptian Geese make sounds! Feminine Egyptian Geese make a loud cackling quack. Males, alternatively, have a quieter, steady, vibrating name. Try the male on the rear and the feminine on the entrance of this clip to listen to the distinction.
Egyptian Geese are homebodies and have a tendency to reside beside one physique of water for his or her entire lives! They may return to the stream, pond, or lake of their dwelling vary each night time, as long as predation is low and there may be loads of meals and water.
#11. Swan Goose
- Swan Geese are one of many largest geese species. They stand, on common, 3 toes tall (91.4cm). Males are often bigger than females.
- Swan Geese have an exquisite vary of brown shades on their our bodies. Their head and neck are chocolate brown on the higher facet and pale beige beneath, giving a stripe impact.
- The legs of Swan Geese are vibrantly orange, whereas their beaks are deep black.
Swan Geese are a weak species of their native vary of Asia. Nonetheless, they’ve been domesticated and launched across the globe for hundreds of years. Two common domesticated geese breeds, the Chinese language Goose and the African Goose, are direct descendants of Swan Geese. They appear fairly totally different from their ancestors, with an upright posture and knobbly protrusions above their beaks.
In the US, you might be more likely to come across Swan, Chinese language, or African Geese in a domesticated assortment than within the wild. Nonetheless, it’s doable to identify escaped or launched people flocking along with different species close to waterways!
I discovered it fascinating that Swan Geese reside near lakes, ponds, or wetlands however hardly ever swim!
#12. Greylag Goose
- Greylag Geese are a smooth, heat gray-brown.
- Their feathers are rimmed with slender white edges, which supplies them a fragile barred sample over their wings, chest, and sides.
- The legs of Greylag Geese are pink, whereas their payments are vivid orange.
Greylag Geese are NOT native to the US!
These birds are discovered naturally throughout Europe and Asia, the place they’re quite common and have an enormous pure vary.
Apparently, Greylag Geese gave rise to nearly all widespread domesticated goose breeds.
In the US, domesticated Greylag Geese can generally be seen on farms, estates, and in zoological collections. Sometimes, escaped birds could flourish as feral populations.
Greylag Geese are very social animals. They may nearly all the time be present in flocks, starting from just a few birds to hundreds of animals. When flying, flocks undertake the basic V-shape flight formation. Play the video to see them in motion!
#13. Black Swan
- Black Swans have a particularly putting look. Adults have black feathers throughout, apart from the information of the wings, that are largely hid when not in flight.
- In stark distinction, their payments are deep crimson, with a white band encircling close to the tip.
Black Swans initially got here from Australia. Over time, they’ve been launched across the globe as a decorative hen. After they swim, they typically maintain their neck and wings excessive above the water in an imposing, aggressive show.
Should you see a Black Swan in the US, it’ll in all probability be below human care at a park or different animal assortment. Nonetheless, feral birds have been reported dwelling in Florida, California, and North Carolina. There isn’t a proof of their profitable breeding and settlement.
#14. Pink-footed Goose
- As their identify suggests, they’ve pink legs and toes. Additionally they have pink patches close to the tip of their payments, that are in any other case black.
- The general coloration of pink-footed geese is a reasonably unremarkable smooth brown. Their chest space is a lightweight beige, whereas their heads and wings are a darker chocolate.
Pink-footed Geese favor the northern hemisphere and funky climates and hardly ever stray from these areas. However there have been growing studies of vagrant geese noticed in the US!
Sightings are growing notably alongside the east coast of North America. Look out for them tagging together with flocks of Canada geese.
Breeding is pretty difficult for Pink-footed Geese! Due to the specter of mammalian predators akin to Arctic foxes, pink-footed geese nest on cliff faces beside the ocean or in gorges.
#15. Barnacle Goose
- Small, compact goose. Largely white head.
- A brief, stubby invoice that’s black. Legs are black, too.
Because of their distinctive coloration, Barnacle Geese are straightforward to identify within the japanese United States!
However Barnacle Geese aren’t regular guests, as they spend most of their time in Arctic areas and different northern areas.
Fortunately, their sightings within the japanese United States have been on the rise. Search for them combined into flocks of Canada Geese throughout winter. ????
So, do Barnacle Geese eat barnacles?
The reply is a powerful NO. They received their names way back when individuals in medieval instances thought these birds hatched out of barnacles!
#16. Emperor Goose
- A small, stocky goose with a darkish physique.
- Brief pink invoice and a white head with a black throat.
- Orange legs.
The Emperor Goose is a small goose largely discovered on the coasts of Alaska. However they’re additionally identified to indicate up randomly in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Search for them in freshwater swimming pools, inland lakes, and coastal lagoons. These birds have been nicknamed the “seaside goose” due to their affinity for coastal environments.
Emperor Goose Vary Map
These geese fly decrease than different species and are sometimes seen flying simply off the bottom. Should you ever see them in flight, pay attention for his or her loud, musical “kla-ha, kla-ha, kla-ha” name, which sounds extra nasally than different geese species.
Do you need to find out about MORE birds in the US?
Try these ID Guides. Each is restricted to birds discovered right here!
Which of those swans and geese have you ever seen in the US?
Go away a remark beneath!
The vary maps beneath had been generously shared with permission from The Birds of The World, printed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I take advantage of their website OFTEN to be taught new details about birds!