How to Tell a Female Canada Goose From a Male

The Canada goose is one of the most widespread and populous goose species in North America. Easily recognized by their distinctive brown and black feathers, Canada geese typically nest in the early springtime, hatching between 5 and 10 goslings. The goslings stay with the parents until the spring migration, traveling thousands of miles to the summer feeding grounds. Both genders of Canada geese are similar in appearance but not impossible to tell apart, although sexing geese should be done only under the guidance of an experienced professional.

Things You'll Need

  • Table
  • Rubber gloves
  • Lubrication
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the goose as it interacts with other geese. Male Canada geese are typically larger and more aggressive than female geese. If it is nesting season, females will stay close to the nest and sit on the eggs while males graze and defend the territory around the nest.

    • 2

      Put on a pair of rubber gloves and catch a goose, gently holding it by wrapping one arm around the body and placing your free hand at the base of the neck. Set the goose on a short table to prepare it for the examination.

    • 3

      Lay the goose on its back with the head between your legs and lift the tail to locate the cloaca. The cloaca is the opening to the digestive tract; it houses the goose's genital organs. Place your finger on one side of the cloaca and your thumb on the opposite side and press in gently to open the cloaca.

    • 4

      Apply a drop or two of lubrication to your index finger and slide it gently into the cloaca. The cloaca in Canada geese is fairly short, and your finger will go approximately only an inch into the cloaca. Turn your finger back and forth slowly to acclimate the goose to your finger and relax the sphincter muscles.

    • 5

      Feel for any bumps inside the cloaca. The goose is a male if you feel a two- to three-inch protrusion. The cloaca of a female goose will be free of any large protrusions, with the cloacal folds turning slightly inward.