Basic Information

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae Subfamily: Anserinae Body Length: 60-100cm Weight: 2-6kg Geese are large birds belonging to the subfamily Anserinae within the family Anatidae in the order Anseriformes. Generally, geese are larger than ducks but smaller than swans. Geese are waterfowl with both males and females having similar plumage, often in dull colors like brown. Some species, however, have white or colorful plumage. Their bills are higher at the base and have tooth-like notches on the sides, making them suitable for grazing. Some species can even eat tough vegetables. Geese have longer necks and legs than ducks but shorter than swans, giving them a silhouette second in size only to swans. Geese often breed in open areas, with pairs nesting in dispersed locations, although they can also form colonies, nesting within about 10 meters of each other. They lay 2-10 eggs at a time, with the female incubating them and the male defending the nest. They molt once a year, replacing all feathers, including body, wings, and tail, rendering them flightless for 3-6 weeks. During this time, they gather in specific areas. As migratory birds, they move to temperate regions to overwinter. In Japan, the greater white-fronted goose in Miyagi Prefecture is well-known and is designated as the prefectural bird.