• Subfamily Dendrocygninae- Whistling-Ducks and Allies
• There are no flock members in this subfamily.
• Subfamily Anserinae- Geese, Swans

Chen caerulescens- Snow Goose

Branta canadensis- Canada Goose

I Recovered

View range map of Canada Goose

The Canada Goose is one of the most abundant birds in North America, and the most widespread goose species. There are many variations in size across the species' range with many subspecies recognized. Canada Geese range in size from 35-45 inches, and are a common sight at golf courses, parks and suburban areas. The distinctive white chin strap makes them immediately recognizable. Many populations of Canada Goose are long distance migrants, however some populations have become resident, especially in suburban areas. Those which nest in subarctic Canada and Alaska are the longest migrants, travelling to the mid-continental and southern United States. Preferred habitats of Canada Geese vary widely. Prairies, parks, marshes, agricultural fields, suburban and urban areas are all utilized by this species. Canada Geese graze on grasses during much of the year. Migratory populations feed on berries and grains during the period before migration, when they have high energy demands. Many populations have adapted to feed on agricultural grains for at least part of the year and in suburban areas, the birds will graze on grasses year round. Canada Geese mate for life, usually pairing during their second or third year. Family bonds remain strong in this highly social species, with family members breeding in close proximity year after year. The female builds a nest of grasses, sticks or marsh vegetation, in a marsh or other wetland area, lining the nest with down. She lays 4-7 white eggs which she will incubate for 25-30 days. The chicks are precocial, leaving the nest within 24 hours of hatching. They will follow the parents to food, and are able to swim and feed themselves. They will not fly until 40-70 days of age, with much variation between subspecies. The young birds remain with their parents throughout the first year, though they care for themselves and the closeness of this association varies by subspecies. Populations of Canada Geese have increased dramatically since the 1940s, to approximately 5 million individuals. However the status of some subspecies remains uncertain. Translocations have mixed populations in some areas. Over 2 million Canada Geese are hunted every year in the United States and 600,000 in Canada, making this one of the most hunted of all birds. Other threats include pesticides used on agricultural crops which have killed large numbers of wintering geese, who feed on waste grain.

Branta sandvicensis- Nene/ Hawaiian Goose

I'm Endangered

View range map of Nene

The Nene or Hawaiian Goose has the smallest range of any living goose species and is the rarest goose in the world. Highly adapted to island life, with little fresh water available, this species is highly terrestrial. A medium sized goose, the Nene is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The species formerly occurred on all the islands, but now only nests on Hawai'i, Maui and Kaua'i within National Parks and other protected lands. Nene occupy upland grassland, shrubland, coastal dunes and lava plains. The birds have also adapted to use agricultural fields, golf courses and other such human altered landscapes. Historically the birds probably moved to lower elevations to breed, however habitat loss now makes this difficult. Seasonal movements in response to food supply still occur and introduced populations of Nene live year round on managed grasslands.  Nene eat leaves, grasses, seeds, fruits, flowers and berries. The birds forage in dense vegetation and over lava flows and have strong legs and reduced webbing of the feet compared to other geese, enabling them to walk and run well. Nene are weak fliers but the birds are known to move between islands. Nene pair for life and family groups often forage together. First breeding does not occur until 2 to 3 years of age. The nesting season is very long, lasting from August to April; the longest breeding season of any wild goose. The female makes a nest in a scrape in the ground, lining it with feathers. She lays 2-6 large white eggs, which she incubates for about 30 days. The male stands guard during this time. The goslings are precocial and feed themselves from hatching. They are brooded by the female until fledging at around 10-14 weeks of age. The immature Nene associate together, but remain with their parents for the first year of life until the following breeding season and sometimes longer. Nene were hunted extensively from the time the first humans settled in Hawaii until the passing of a hunting ban in 1907. Habitat loss due to conversion to agriculture and urbanization and extensive grazing further impacted populations. Before Polynesian settlement of the Hawaiian Islands about 1600 years ago, there were no mammal predators, only several species of raptors; all now extinct. Nene are vulnerable to introduced mammals, such as rats, cats, pigs, dogs and mongoose which prey on eggs and young and sometimes adults. Captive breeding of Nene for release into protected areas began in 1949, when as few as 30 Nene remained. Research showed that many Nene did not attempt to breed due to inadequate nutrition, so supplemental feeding was started, along with predator removal programs. Habitat maintenance and restrictions on human disturbance were also found to be important. Reintroductions have been successful, and there are now about 800 Nene in the wild and over 1000 in breeding centers, but the reintroduced populations are not yet self sustaining.

Cygnus buccinator- Trumpeter Swan

I'm a Species of Concern

View range map of Trumpeter Swan

The Trumpeter Swan is the largest swan and the largest water fowl in North America. This large (60 in) white bird, with its characteristic "trumpeter" call, is now quite common, though  reduced to only 69 known individuals in 1935. Trumpeter Swans use a variety of freshwater wetland habitats, including lakes, ponds and marshes during the breeding season and rivers and streams during winter. Aquatic vegetation, grasses and grains predominate in the diet of adult Trumpeter Swans. They feed mostly on the water surface, but also dig for tubers. Migratory populations of Trumpeter Swans breed in south and central Alaska, in parts of Canada, and in the northern continental United States. Many winter locally; some populations winter south to Texas and Arkansas. Trumpeter Swans are highly social. During winter many may congregate to feed on lakes and ponds. During the breeding season, territories are defended by a pair, often consisting of a pond on which the nest is located. Pairs form in the second year and remain together for life in most cases; however they will not breed until their third or fourth year, often later. Over a period of several weeks, the pair construct a nest using emergent vegetation and feathers, on a beaver dam, small island, or manmade platform where provided. The female lays 4-6 cream/ white eggs which are incubated for 33-37 days. The male may also incubate some of the time. The cygnets are gray colored, and precocial, leaving the nest 24 hours after hatching. The cygnets are able to feed themselves, but both parents will continue to care for the young, leading them to food and providing protection, until they fledge after about 99 days. Trumpeter Swans were close to extinction during the 1930s, due to market hunting and habitat loss. With protection from hunting and restoration of habitat the species has recovered well. Translocations have expanded the species range into areas historically occupied. While Trumpeter Swans are a great conservation success, the species is highly sensitive to human disturbance during breeding and pesticide and lead contamination continue to pose a problem.

• Subfamily Tadorinae- Shelducks and Allies
• There are no flock members in this subfamily.
• Subfamily Anatinae- True Ducks

Aix sponsa- Wood Duck

Anas platyrhynchos- Mallard