Canada Goose (Kanadagås)

Characteristics:
The Canada Goose is a large and powerful goose, measuring 90–110 cm in length with a wingspan up to 185 cm.
It is easily recognised by its black head and neck, white cheek patch, brown-grey back, and light grey belly.
The bill and legs are black, and in flight the long black neck is clearly visible.
Its wingbeats are slow and steady, and its call is a loud, honking “ka-honk, ka-honk” often given in series during flight.

Habitat:
The Canada Goose was introduced to Sweden from North America in the 1930s.
It is now widespread throughout the country, especially in southern and central Sweden.
It thrives near lakes, ponds, coastal bays, parks, and farmland, particularly in areas with open grass and water access.

Behaviour:
This species is social and very alert.
During the breeding season, it lives in pairs, but in late summer and autumn it gathers in large flocks.
It flies in V-formation and communicates constantly with its characteristic honking calls.

Diet:
The Canada Goose is herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, herbs, grain, and aquatic plants.
It grazes frequently on fields, golf courses, and coastal meadows, and during autumn it consumes large amounts of grain and beets.

Reproduction:
Breeding takes place in April–May.
The nest is built from grass, reeds, and down, usually near water.
The female lays 4–7 eggs, incubated for 25–28 days.
The goslings leave the nest soon after hatching and follow their parents to nearby water.
They become fully fledged after 9–10 weeks.

Migration:
Most Swedish Canada Geese are resident, but some migrate short distances southwards during cold winters.
They typically migrate in V-formation, often in response to weather and food conditions.

Distribution:
Originally from North America, the Canada Goose is now found across large parts of Europe.
In Sweden, it is very common, especially around lakes and agricultural areas.

Hunting:
The Canada Goose is a game species in Sweden according to the Hunting Ordinance (Bilaga 1).
Hunting season:

• Throughout Sweden: 11 August – 31 December
  Protective hunting is permitted year-round where the species causes damage to crops or land.

Hunting is usually carried out as flight hunting (morning or evening flights), or field hunting with decoys and blinds.

Firearm class (Sweden):
The species may be hunted with:

• Shotgun, typically using pellet size no. 3–5, or
• Rifle class 3 (for stalking or single accurate shots).

Think for the hunting exam:

• Large goose with black head and neck, white cheek patch, and brown-grey body.
• Introduced from North America, now common throughout Sweden.
• Lives near lakes, coasts, and farmland.
• Eats grass, grain, and aquatic plants.
• Usually a resident species, flies in V-formation.
• Ground nester, 4–7 eggs near water.
• Game species – hunting season August–December, protective hunting all year.
• Hunted with shotgun (no. 3–5) or rifle class 3.
• Wary and flock-living, requires good concealment and patience.