The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is a large North American migratory bird of Canada and the northern United States.
The Canada Goose mates for life – a male and female remain partners throughout their whole life.
The female lays 2-9 eggs, and both parents look after the eggs until they hatch after 24-48 days.
The chicks are called goslings. Goslings can walk, swim, and find their own food soon after hatching. They can fly after 6-9 weeks of age.
The goslings are mainly herbivorous, eating grass, but they will also eat insects and fish.
The adult Canada Goose has a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. It has a white eye-ring. It has a black beak and black, webbed feet.
Goslings look very different from their parents. They are fluffy with light-brown feathers and cream underparts. They have a black beak and big, black, webbed feet.
They grow to 75-110 centimetres (30-43 inches) tall, with a 127-185 centimetre (50-73 inch) wingspan.
Location of photographs: Paris, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM