Living with Canada Geese in DuPage County

Scientific Name:

Natural History

The Canada Goose has found a home in DuPage County. The ongoing development has done little to discourage these large birds; they have become well-known visitors in the lawns and retention ponds of industrial complexes, corporate offices and golf courses throughout the county.

Two sub-species are found locally: the more prevalent Giant Canada Goose, which breeds in DuPage and averages between 11 and 12 pounds; and the less common Interior Canada Goose, an over-wintering visitor that weights between seven and nine pounds. These gray-brown birds are most distinguishable by their black heads and necks and prominent white cheek patches.

While many of the Canada Geese seen in DuPage during the fall and winter are stopping off to feed during their annual migration from such northern locations as Canada, the Hudson Bay area and Wisconsin, many others have become year-round county residents attracted by the area's open waters and abundance of food.

Dietary Habits

Historically a wetland species, the Canada Goose has adapted well to the new environment of corporate landscaping. The retention ponds provide the gees with protection from predators, while the nicely mowed lawns surrounding these ponds present them with one of their favorite foods, new shoots of grass.

The geese also feed on marsh rushes and sedges, new buds and corn from the fields still found in the area. On a late winter's afternoon, flocks of geese can be seen returning to the ponds of the corporate corridor from the outlying corn fields.

When feeding, certain geese take turns guarding the rest of the group and warn of approaching danger.

Flocks and Nesting Habits

A flock of Canada Geese consists of either family groups -- the male, female and their young -- or groups of families, depending on the time of year. They travel in groups that can range from a single mated pair to up to many hundreds of birds.

In flight, the Canada Goose is often identified by its characteristic honking sound. Often, the geese fly in a highly symmetrical V-formation, which is thought to cut down on wind resistance for the birds at the rear. The lead position is shared by adults that trade off during flight.

Canada Geese mate for life and usually arrive at the breeding grounds as mated pairs. Courtship and fighting between the males, or ganders, will still occur, however. To repel an adversary, the gander approaches with his neck held horizontally and bill open while uttering hissing sounds. Once the standoff is over, the victorious gander returns to the female and they both make sinuous neck movements in celebration of his triumph.

Geographic area and weather both affect the onset of nest building. The geese often build their nests on the ground near water, especially in low-lying areas prone to flooding. On occasion they have been known to nest on elevated sites on rocky ledges, above muskrat mounds or lodges or in trees.

Geese in DuPage County lay an average of five to seven creamy-white eggs that hatch sometime in May. The young leave the nest within 24 hours and usually fly within 70 days.

It is possible to relocate the Canada Geese, especially in late June through July when they are flightless. However, adult geese will be more likely to return to a site where they have a history of breeding than young birds.

Conflicts with Man and Predators

From late June to late July, the Canada Goose loses its flight feathers and its ability to fly. At this time of year, conflicts with man arises when great flocks of birds are grounded on a golf course or park area and leave large quantities of droppings. The geese can also be particularly aggressive this time of year if they feel that their nest or their young are threatened. They've been known to chase after people who unwittingly venture too close to the nest. Predators of the adult Canada Goose include coyotes, foxes and even raccoons.