Canadian geese typically begin laying eggs in late March or early April. The exact timing depends on factors like location and weather conditions. Geese build nests and lay eggs during their breeding season so that the goslings hatch in time for summer.
When do Canadian geese build nests?
Canadian geese start looking for nesting sites and building nests 4-6 weeks before they start laying eggs. They prefer areas near water, like ponds, marshes, and rivers. The male goose will construct the nest out of grasses, sticks, feathers, and down. The nest is shaped like a bowl and is approximately 2 feet wide and 1 foot tall. Once the nest is complete, the female lines it with down feathers plucked from her own breast. This helps insulate the eggs once they are laid.
Ideal laying conditions
Canadian geese time their egg laying to coincide with optimal conditions for raising goslings. They aim to have goslings hatch in late spring when abundant food sources are available. The goslings feed on grasses and aquatic plants right away and grow quickly over the summer.
Canadian geese are triggered to build nests and lay eggs based on increasing daylight hours and warming temperatures in their breeding range. Areas further north, like Alaska and Canada, have later spring thaws so geese there nest later than populations further south.
Laying timeline by region
Here is an overview of when Canadian geese typically lay eggs in different parts of North America:
Region | Egg laying time |
---|---|
Southern U.S. states like Texas | Late February to early March |
Midwestern U.S. states like Iowa | Mid to late March |
Northeastern U.S. states like New York | Late March to mid April |
Central Canada like Manitoba | Mid to late April |
Northern Canada like Northwest Territories | Early to mid May |
Alaska | Late May to early June |
As you can see, geese in southern latitudes lay eggs earlier in spring, while northern geese lay eggs later into spring and early summer.
How many eggs do geese lay?
The typical Canada goose clutch size is 4-8 eggs. Here are some more details:
- Younger geese or first time nesters often lay smaller clutches of 3-5 eggs.
- Older, more experienced geese lay larger clutches of 6-8 eggs.
- The largest clutches are laid by geese nesting in more northern areas like Alaska and Northern Canada.
Geese lay one egg per day over a period of several days. They do not start incubating the eggs until the last egg is laid. This synchronized hatching ensures all goslings develop at the same rate.
Egg incubation
Once the female goose has laid all her eggs, she begins incubation. Both male and female geese will incubate the eggs, switching duties every 12-24 hours. Incubation takes 24-28 days. The eggs hatch in the order they were laid, usually over a period of a few days.
Egg characteristics
Canada goose eggs have the following characteristics:
- Color: White or pale green
- Size: 21⁄2 to 4 inches long, 1 3⁄4 to 2 3⁄4 inches wide
- Shape: Ovate and elliptical
- Texture: Smooth and slightly glossy
The eggs are large relative to the size of the goose. They make up approximately 10% of the female’s weight. The large size packed with nutrients provides for the goslings’ early development.
Where do geese nest and lay eggs?
Canadian geese seek out safe nesting sites with cover and proximity to water. They nest on the ground, on mounds, or in elevated sites like:
- Islands
- Cattails
- Muskrat houses
- Trees (in tree nests)
- Cliffs
- Rocky outcrops
Nests are usually found within one quarter mile of lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, or other water bodies. Ideal sites have a clear view of any approaching predators.
Habitat preferences
Here are some of the habitats favored by nesting Canada geese:
- Wetlands – marshes, swamps, bogs
- Edges of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs
- Slow moving rivers and streams
- Reservoirs
- Islands
- Agricultural fields near water
- Mowed lawns in city parks or golf courses
- Rooftops
Canada geese sometimes create nests in unlikely urban and suburban areas where they have adapted to living near humans.
Nesting near other geese
Canada geese prefer to nest in colonies where multiple geese build nests near each other. The groups can include several dozen pairs of geese. The colony provides protection from predators. If one goose sounds an alarm, the others are alerted.
Nest defense
Canada geese aggressively defend their nests from predators and dangers. They may act territorial and confrontational during breeding. Geese have been known to attack humans that get too close to their nest.
What do goslings eat after hatching?
Newly hatched goslings eat vegetation just like adult geese. Their diet includes:
- Grasses
- Sprouts
- Aquatic plants
- Algae
The goslings follow their parents closely and feed on the vegetation around water bodies. The adults show the young geese the best areas to forage.
Goslings grow rapidly on this herbivorous diet. In just 6-10 weeks, the juvenile geese are fully feathered and ready to fly. They will continue grazing with their parents through the summer and into early fall.
Transition to flight
At 10-12 weeks old, goslings have their full adult plumage and are capable of flying. However, they will stay with their family group for up to a year, migrating together in the fall. The young geese gradually become more independent over their first winter away from the breeding grounds.
What threats do geese face while nesting?
Canada geese face various threats to their nests that reduce rates of egg and gosling survival.
Natural predators
Common natural predators of goose eggs include:
- Foxes
- Coyotes
- Wolves
- Crows
- Ravens
- Raccoons
- Snakes
- Gulls
These predators may raid nests when geese are away to find food. Some snakes and birds swallow eggs whole. The geese aggressively defend nests, but predators still take eggs and goslings.
Weather events
Cold snaps or excessive rain can dampen eggs, chilling embryos and killing goslings. Nest flooding may force geese to abandon eggs.
Human activity
Boating activity near nests may displace geese. Development can destroy wetland habitat. Pollution impacts goose reproduction. Intentional nest destruction and egg addling also limit productivity.
Conservation efforts
Wildlife agencies take steps to protect Canada goose nesting. This includes:
- Closing areas to boats during nesting
- Restricting shoreline development
- Leaving buffer zones around wetlands
- Supporting harvest limits
These measures help offset risks to nests and eggs.
Conclusion
To summarize, most Canadian geese lay eggs in March and April depending on their breeding latitude. The female goose lays 4-8 eggs and incubates them for 24-28 days. Ideal conditions allow goslings to hatch out in spring and fatten up eating vegetation all summer. The continuation of the goose population depends on successful spring nesting and egg laying during a narrow window of opportunity.