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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Goose

A goose is any of several large waterfowl in the family Anatidae, especially species in the genera Anser and Branta.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A goose is any of several large waterfowl in the family Anatidae, especially species in the genera Anser and Branta. Geese are generally larger than ducks, with long necks, webbed feet, and strong associations with wetlands, grasslands, and seasonal migration. In Canada, the Canada goose is a widespread and familiar species, often seen in parks, wetlands, and during migration seasons.

Taxonomy

The term goose usually refers to birds in the family Anatidae, especially the true geese in the genera Anser and Branta. Some other waterfowl are also called geese in common use, but are not considered true geese taxonomically.

Physical characteristics

Geese are large, heavy-bodied birds with long necks, short legs, webbed feet, and broad bills. They are intermediate in size and build between ducks and swans.

Behaviour and ecology

Many geese live near water, graze on land, and migrate seasonally between breeding and wintering areas. Several species are known for pair bonding, colony nesting, and V-shaped flight formations.

Domestication and use

Geese have long been kept by humans for meat, feathers, and down. Domestic geese are derived from wild goose species and remain important in agriculture and food use.

Key facts

  • Geese are birds in the waterfowl family Anatidae.
  • The best-known true geese belong to the genera Anser and Branta.
  • Many geese are migratory and fly in V-shaped formations.
  • Common social terms include gander for a male goose and gosling for a young goose.
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Canadian context

Geese are highly visible to Canadian readers through the Canada goose, a widespread species in Canada and across North America. Canada’s national and regional wildlife references also treat geese as a familiar part of the country’s wetlands, parks, and migration seasons.[6][15]

Frequently asked questions

What is a goose?
A goose is a large waterfowl in the family Anatidae, especially species in the genera Anser and Branta.
What is the plural of goose?
The plural is geese.
What is a male goose called?
A male goose is called a gander.
What is a baby goose called?
A baby goose is called a gosling.
Are geese bigger than ducks?
Yes. Geese are generally larger than ducks and usually have longer necks and broader bodies.
Do geese migrate?
Many goose species migrate, often breeding in colder northern regions and wintering farther south.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/goose-bird
    Supports: Definition of goose; size and relation to ducks and swans; genera Anser and Branta.
  2. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/animals/vertebrate-zoology/geese
    Supports: Geese as birds in Anatidae.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/goose
    Supports: Geese in Canada; main groups Anser and Branta.
  4. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Goose
    Supports: True geese taxonomy; use of the term goose.
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ducks-geese-and-swans-anatidae
    Supports: Anatidae classification and family context.
  6. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/goose/390124
    Supports: General characteristics, diet, migration, and domestication.
  7. Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/overview
    Supports: Canada goose as a familiar North American species.