Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

The Giant Canada Goose, Branta canadensis maxima, is the only subspecies that nests in Missouri. It historically nested in the Midwest on elevated sites near water such as muskrat houses, islands, abandoned raptor nests and bluff faces. Giant Canada Geese discovered nesting along the lower Missouri River in the 1960s are believed to be a remnant native population, according to a telephone conversation with Conservation Department Waterfowl Research Biologist David Graber. Individuals descended from this remnant population likely contributed to Missouri's current population.

Code Frequency

Due to their size and conspicuous behavior, Canada Geese are perhaps the easiest of birds to find and identify. Therefore, the map likely provides an accurate representation of their distribution. They are also one of the easiest species to confirm, most often by observing goslings swimming behind or feeding with their parents. Therefore, where Canada Geese were not confirmed by the Atlas Project, they likely did not breed.

Distribution

The distribution of breeding confirmations indicated two primary concentrations of geese. One extended from central Missouri to the St. Louis area. This portion of the Missouri River was the historical breeding range for the species (McKinley 1961). A second breeding zone in the state's western counties was centered in the Kansas City area, and extended from Arkansas to Iowa. Scattered locations elsewhere indicate that the range is essentially statewide with the exception of the heavily forested regions of the Lower Ozark Natural Section and the highly agricultural Mississippi Lowlands.

Average Number of Birds / 100 stops

Abundance

Because of the clumped nature of this species' distribution, valid abundance data were not obtained from the Atlas Project. From other sources, it is evident that Canada Geese have been increasing in number and range throughout much of the eastern United States and Missouri. The state's numerous farm ponds and lakes, and the provision of goose nesting tubs, have contributed to a thriving population. In some cities where geese have abundant food and are protected, flocks have become so large as to become nuisances.

Phenology

Data indicating the onset of breeding were available from 127 blocks. Observation dates are consistent with nesting dates recorded during Canada Geese breeding surveys on conservation areas, according to comments by David Graber. Canada Geese are single-brooded but will re-nest if disturbed early in the nesting cycle. An adult on a nest on June 15 was presumably re-nesting.

Breeding Evidence

Reported in 226 (18.7%) of 1,207 blocks

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