How to Determine Gender in Geese

A male goose is not actually a "goose" but rather a "gander". Like any species, there are some signs to look for when determining gender in geese. However, which signs you use will be determined by exactly how close you are to the bird.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Determine the height of the bird relative to the flock. It is difficult for a casual observer to determine the sex of a goose or gander as this species does not vary widely in colorings and marking from male to female. In a flock that is generally the same species, males stand about 3 to 6 inches higher than the females of the species. However, baby or adolescent birds are also smaller than the typical males.
2. Observe behavioral patterns to determine sex. Male geese are likely to hiss and puff up at your approach, while a female continues to graze or rest. A male by itself is often standing guard for an unseen female. A female by itself may be nesting. She will be sitting in a hunched position, and may extend her head low to the ground if threatened.
3. Determine the gender of a goose by examining the genital area. Holding the goose belly up with the head toward you will reveal the cloaca area. Within the cloaca, a male bird will possess a penis-like structure of approximately half an inch long, while a female will exhibit no such structure, but a flattened area instead.
4. Dissect the goose. Scientists and geologists can determine gender upon dissection. Ovaries look like a cluster of grapes located upward near the spine, and toward the back of the bird. Testicles are located within the abdominal cavity, around the middle height area, and toward the back of the bird. They appear to be yellow in color and bean or oblong shaped.

Tips & Warnings

• If you observe mating behavior, the male goose is the pursuer or aggressor and he will mount the female.
• Male geese tend to be somewhat aggressive and are likely to fight or bite, as opposed to taking flight or leaving the area. Be careful in your observations.