The Diet of Canadian Geese

Canada geese (Branta canadensis), commonly referred to as Canadian geese, are water birds, with long necks, large bodies, webbed feet and wide, flat bills. You'll recognize one by its brown back, tan-colored breast and most distinctively, black neck and head with strip of white on the chin.

  1. Habitat

    • Although the name suggests that the geese come from Canada, they are also found in the Northern and coastal regions of the United States, namely the Chesapeake Bay areas of Maryland and Virginia. They also appear in parts of Europe and New Zealand. Their habitat, like that of most birds, is directly linked to their diet. The geese favor areas that offer water, grass or grains.

    Diet Overview

    • As herbivores, Canada geese feed mainly on grass, grains, berries and some aquatic plants, although they sometimes will eat eat small insects or fish. For this reason, they often lurk near water, graze on large plots of grass and migrate to warmer climates during early autumn and winter. Certain populations of geese have become non-migratory, however, as they are able to find an adequate supply of food in regions that offer mild climates and year-round lawns.

    Terrestrial Diet

    • Canada geese are particularly attracted to grass or turf because they are able to digest it well. In addition, large, manicured lawns give them clear, wide views of any potential predators, such as coyotes, foxes, owls, eagles and large gulls. Aside from feeding on greenery--which can include skunk cabbage leaves, alfalfa and eelgrass-- they also feed on agricultural grains such as wheat, rice, corn and beans, as well as berries. Their favorite is blueberries.

    Aquatic Diet

    • The Canada goose on water.

      Like ducks, Canada geese float and tread their feet under water. They also feed on the silt at the bottom or aquatic plants such as seaweed. The goose finds its food by dabbling in shallow areas of ponds, lakes or rivers, then dipping its head underwater and picking it out with its beak.

    Geese and Humans

    • In urban and suburban areas, Canada geese frequent golf courses, parks, parking lots and beach parks, with their main sources of food being grass and garbage bins. This has not only resulted in an increase in non-migratory geese, but also in turf damage and high accumulations of droppings, which can pollute municipal waters. To prevent the geese from becoming pests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that humans not feed the birds. They are more prone to return to areas where they are being fed. The USDA also recommends letting the lawn grow, because the geese prefer shorter grass.