ExploreBird

Domestic Goose

Anser anser domesticus

Domestic geese are friendly birds often found on farms. They have fluffy feathers and love to swim in water.

Appearance

The Domestic Goose has a sturdy, often heavy body with a long, flexible neck and typically bright orange or pinkish-orange beak and feet. Their plumage commonly ranges from pure white to grey or mottled brown, often appearing larger and bulkier than their wild ancestors.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusAnser

Domestic Goose

Interesting facts

A group of geese on the ground is called a gaggle, but in flight, they are a skein!

Geese have an amazing memory and can recognize individual people, even years later!

Geese honk in different ways to share information, like alarm calls or greetings!

Some goose breeds can lay over 50 eggs in a single year!

Special abilities

Domestic Geese have excellent eyesight and hearing that helps them detect potential dangers and alert the flock.

Domestic Geese possess a strong, serrated bill perfect for clipping and eating various grasses and plants efficiently.

Domestic Geese have webbed feet that help them paddle powerfully through water for swimming and foraging.

Measurements & details

Length: 70-90 cm
Wingspan: 130-180 cm
Weight: 3-10 kg
Lifespan: 10-25 years
Top Speed: 75 km/h
Clutch Size: 5-15
Incubation: 28-35 days

Diet & Feeding

Domestic geese are herbivores, happily grazing on various plants found in fields and shallow waters.

Primary Foods

grasses
clover
alfalfa
aquatic plants
seeds

Foraging Method

Grazing

Ecological connections

depends on

Kentucky Bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Provides a primary food source for grazing.

depends on

White Clover

Trifolium repens

A common and nutritious dietary component.

eaten by

Domestic Dog

Canis familiaris

Can prey on geese, especially goslings.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

A common predator of geese and their eggs.

Traits

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Domesticated

These are animals or plants that people have raised and cared for over a very long time. They live closely with humans, often helping us or providing food!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.