Canada Goose

Best known for its black head and neck with a bold white chinstrap set against a brown body.

A large goose, 75–110cm long with a wingspan up to 185cm and males weighing as much as 6.5kg.

Native across Canada and the northern US, especially around the Great Lakes, and now established as an introduced species in parts of Europe and beyond.

Grazes on grasses, aquatic plants and grain, tearing off blades with a jerk of the bill.

Pairs for life from its second year on and lays 2–9 eggs per clutch.

Highly adaptable — urban parks and golf courses suit it as well as open wetland — and rated Least Concern, with North American numbers in the millions.