When Canadian Geese Cannot Fly
Canadian geese, also known as Canada geese, are a common sight in many parts of North America. These large birds are known for their V-shaped flying formation and their sometimes troublesome populations in urban areas. But there are times of the year when Canada geese are unable to take flight.
Molting Season
One time when Canadian geese cannot fly is during their annual molting season which occurs in mid-summer. Molting is the process where geese shed their wing feathers and grow new ones. It takes around 4-6 weeks for geese to complete the molting process and grow enough new flight feathers to be able to fly again. During this time, geese are unable to fly and tend to remain near water where they can swim for protection.
Month | Molting Season Timeframe |
---|---|
June | Early June to early July |
July | Early July to early August |
The exact timing of the molting season for Canada geese depends on their geographical location. In northern regions, the molting season tends to occur a bit later in mid to late summer. In southern regions, it may start earlier in late spring to early summer. But regardless of location, Canada geese are unable to fly for a period of around 1-2 months while molting.
Injury or Physical Impairment
Another situation when Canadian geese would be unable to fly is if they have an injury or physical impairment of some kind. Like other birds, geese need healthy wings and muscles in order to achieve flight. If they suffer an injury to their wings or body, they may be grounded until they can recover.
Some examples of injuries that could prevent a goose from flying include:
– Broken bones or dislocated joints in their wings
– Ligament or tendon damage
– Missing or damaged flight feathers
– Wounds or lacerations on their wings
– Lead poisoning from ingesting lead pellets or fishing weights
In most cases, a goose should regain its ability to fly after healing from an injury. But certain severe injuries may cause permanent damage if the bird is unable to fly again. Geese that cannot fly due to old age or permanent disability are at greater risk in the wild.
Goslings
Young Canada geese called goslings are unable to fly until they are 2-3 months old. Goslings hatch in late spring to early summer and spend their first few weeks following their parents on foot while their wings develop. During this time, the gosling’s flight feathers are not yet grown enough to provide lift for flying.
Age | Flight Ability |
---|---|
Newly hatched | No flight feathers, cannot fly |
4-6 weeks | Small flight feathers, cannot sustain flight |
8-10 weeks | Able to make short flights |
12+ weeks | Fully capable of sustained flight |
Around 8-10 weeks after hatching, goslings will start attempting short flights of a few feet. But it takes 12 weeks or more for their flight feathers to be fully grown and allow sustained long-distance flight. Throughout their early development, goslings rely on their parents for food, protection, and guidance. Being unable to fly makes goslings very vulnerable, so they must stay close to their parents.
Changes in Weather
Canadian geese can be prevented from flying during certain types of weather. Extreme heat, precipitation, or wind conditions may ground geese for periods of time.
Heat
Extreme heat can pose problems for geese by causing overheating. Geese have high body temperatures around 104-106°F normally. When air temperatures exceed 100°F with high humidity, geese have difficulty cooling themselves since they do not sweat. Overheating can be life-threatening, so geese will seek shade and water to cool their bodies. They avoid flying during the hottest parts of the day since takeoff and flight generate additional body heat.
Rain and Snow
Heavy rain or snowfall creates unfavorable conditions for flying. The weight of waterlogged feathers makes it more difficult to achieve lift and maintain control in the air. Snow can especially cause problems by reducing visibility and altering the aerodynamics of the birds’ wings. Geese typically seek shelter during heavy precipitation and hold off on flying until conditions improve.
Wind
Strong winds make flying more challenging for geese due to turbulence and the need to exert more effort. Headwinds and crosswinds require greater energy expenditure to fly the same distance compared to calm conditions. When winds reach speeds above 15-20 mph, geese tend to stop flying and seek shelter. Until winds die down, geese remain grounded.
Human Intervention
In some cases, Canada geese may be intentionally prevented from flying through human intervention. Wildlife management officials may temporarily pinion geese, clip their feathers, or use other methods to hinder flight. This is done in cases where geese are causing problems in an area, and officials want to relocate them somewhere else while preventing their return. Once the flight feathers grow back after molting, the geese can fly again.
Pinioning
Pinioning involves surgically removing the pinion joint of a bird’s wing to prevent flight. The last several primary flight feathers attach to the pinion joint, so taking it out makes sustained flight impossible. However, this procedure is controversial due to concerns over animal welfare.
Clipping
Clipping the flight feathers is a temporary and reversible method to ground geese. Using scissors, wildlife officials will cut the feathers enough to disrupt their aerodynamics but not completely remove them. The feathers grow back after molting.
Hazing
Less invasive hazing techniques may also be used to discourage flight and drive geese away from problem areas. Visual deterrents, noisemakers, sprayed water, lasers, and chasing by dogs are some examples.
Conclusion
Canadian geese rely on their flying abilities to migrate, forage, nest, and evade predators. Yet there are times throughout the year when these birds lose their power of flight either naturally or through human intervention. Molting season causes a temporary loss of flight each summer as geese grow new feathers. Injuries can also lead to grounding until the birds can heal. Juvenile goslings lack flight capability for their first 2-3 months of life while their wings develop. And harsh weather conditions like heat, heavy rain, snow or high winds can make flying hazardous or impossible. Wildlife officials may also intentionally restrict flight for problem geese that need to be relocated. Understanding when and why Canada geese are flightless provides insight into their biology and behavior.