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

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Webbed Feet

Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Herbivorous

This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.

Domesticated

Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.