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Find a Bird

Canada Goose
Branta canadensis

Increasing populations of year-round resident Canada Geese are enjoying the benefits of grassy playing fields and park food handouts. This species is nearly ubiquitous as a breeder in Massachusetts wherever suitable habitat exists.
Conservation Status
No Action - Strong Increase

Tracking This Bird In Massachusetts

Climate Vulnerability Score

Least Vulnerable
Mass Audubon Mean likelihood of occurrence (current)
0.52
Mass Audubon Mean likelihood of occurrence (2050)
0.51
Mass Audubon Absolute change in likelihood of occurrence
-0.02
U.S. Forest Service Climate Change Bird Atlas (Hadly Hi emissions scenario)a
-6.40
National Audubon Societyb
n/a
a USFS model data for Massachusetts by 2100
b National Audubon Society's Climate Change Atlas was completed on a continental scale.

Breeding Bird Atlas

Atlas I Blocks
336
Atlas II Blocks
886
Percent of state occupied - Atlas I
35
Percent of state occupied - Atlas II
85
Percent change
230

Breeding Bird Survey

Annual trend 1966-2010
9.4%
P-value
significant, increasing
Number of routes
27
Recent trend 2000-2010
10.3%

Christmas Bird Count

Trend (1963-2008)
8.2
Significantly different than zero
yes
Trend (1963-1979)
13.5
Significantly different than zero
yes
Trend (1979-2008)
4.6
Significantly different than zero
yes
Christmas Bird Count Sightings By Year
Data reflects sightings per person per hour in order to account for varying numbers of yearly volunteers.

Habitat Usage

Breeding

Forested Wetland, Open Freshwater Marsh, Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds, Saltmarsh, Urban and Suburban

Wintering

Coastal, Grassland, Open Freshwater Marsh, Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds, Saltmarsh, Urban and Suburban

Climate Suitability Current and 2050