Geese construct nests, and this temporary structure is central to their annual reproductive cycle. Goose nesting is an instinctual process that begins in early spring, signifying the commencement of the breeding season for these territorial waterfowl. The nest serves as a carefully built incubator, providing thermal insulation and protection for the developing clutch of eggs. Understanding the specifics of this nest reveals a detailed picture of the goose’s life history.
Nest Location and Construction
The selection of a nesting site prioritizes protection and proximity to water, a resource the family needs after hatching. Geese typically choose a slightly elevated location near water that offers a clear, unobstructed view of any approaching threats. Ideal spots include small islands, muskrat mounds, or thick vegetation along a shoreline. In urban environments, they may adapt to elevated planters or rooftops.
The nest is built exclusively by the female, who first creates a shallow depression or scrape in the ground. She then forms a large, bowl-shaped structure using materials immediately available at the site, such as grasses, reeds, twigs, and mosses. Geese do not carry materials from elsewhere to the nest site.
As she lays eggs, the female adds a crucial insulating layer of down feathers plucked from her own breast. This soft lining provides superior temperature regulation for the eggs and helps hide the clutch when she momentarily leaves the nest.
The Nesting Cycle
The timing of the nesting cycle is dictated by spring temperatures, with breeding activities typically beginning between mid-March and late April. After the nest is built, the female lays her eggs, usually one every one to two days, until the clutch is complete. Clutch size ranges from two to twelve eggs, with five being typical.
The female delays the start of incubation until all or most of the eggs are laid, ensuring the entire clutch hatches close to the same time. Incubation lasts between 25 and 30 days, during which the female rarely leaves the nest.
The male, or gander, acts as a territorial guard, remaining close to the nest to aggressively defend the female and the eggs from potential predators or intruders. This biparental investment ensures the highest chance of survival for the vulnerable eggs.
Life After Hatching
Goslings are precocial young, meaning they hatch fully covered in down, with open eyes, and can walk, swim, and feed themselves immediately. This means the nest is only a temporary structure, fulfilling its purpose the moment the eggs hatch.
The entire family unit abandons the nest, often within 24 hours of hatching. Parents lead the young toward the nearest water source for protection from ground predators. The nest is discarded and will not be reused. Both parents protect the goslings for 10 to 12 weeks until they develop flight feathers.