The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is a recognizable waterfowl species in North America, often observed in both wild and urban environments. This large bird is characterized by a black neck and head, contrasted by a distinct white “chinstrap” patch. The size of an adult Canada Goose is not fixed but varies significantly, leading to a broad range of reported measurements. Understanding the typical size range requires looking closely at the weight, length, and wingspan.
Core Body Measurements: Weight and Length
The typical adult Canada Goose measures between 30 and 43 inches (75 to 110 cm) in total body length, extending from the tip of the beak to the tail. Weight shows a wider variation, with most adults falling within a range of 5.5 to 14 pounds (2.5 to 6.35 kg). This wide span is partly due to sexual dimorphism, where males (ganders) are generally larger and heavier than females.
Male ganders typically weigh between 5.7 and 14.3 pounds, while females average between 5.3 and 12.1 pounds across all subspecies. Males often exhibit linear dimensions that are about 10% greater than those of the female. For example, the average weight across all subspecies is about 8.6 pounds for the male and 7.9 pounds for the female.
The Impressive Reach: Wingspan and Flight
The wingspan of the Canada Goose is a defining measure of its size, directly relating to its capability for long-distance migration. The typical wingspan for an adult goose ranges from 50 to 73 inches (127 to 185 cm). This impressive reach enables them to sustain the powerful, direct flight necessary for their seasonal journeys.
This large wing dimension provides the necessary lift to propel their considerable body mass. The wing chord, the distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge, ranges from 15.5 to 21.5 inches. The scale of the wingspan distinguishes this bird as a large species of waterfowl.
Why Size Varies So Much: The Subspecies Spectrum
The extensive range of measurements is explained by the existence of multiple recognized subspecies of Branta canadensis, each with distinct size characteristics. Ornithologists recognize seven subspecies, with size and coloration influenced by their geographical location. These subspecies create a spectrum of sizes, encompassing some of the largest and smallest geese in the world.
The Giant Canada Goose (B. c. maxima) represents the upper extreme of the size spectrum. This massive subspecies can exceed 15 pounds, with some individuals reaching weights of up to 24 pounds, making it the largest wild goose ever recorded. In contrast, the Lesser Canada Goose (B. c. parvipes) is one of the smallest subspecies, with some adults weighing as little as 3 to 4 pounds.
It is important to distinguish the Canada Goose from the smaller Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), which was separated into its own species in 2004. While some small Canada Goose subspecies overlap in size with the largest Cackling Geese, the smallest Cackling Geese are considerably smaller. The wide variation in size across the subspecies highlights why a single measurement cannot accurately describe the entire species.