How to Tell Male From Female Canadian Geese

Male and female Canada geese look very similar.

The Canada goose, or Branta canadensis, was once considered to be extinct due to over-hunting and the destruction of their habitats in the wetlands. It's hard to believe, especially when Canada geese are so prevalent in North America. Over the years, hunting control and assimilation of geese back into their natural habitats has made this bird common once again. Male Canada geese are referred to as ganders, while females are simply called geese. Physically, the male and female look very similar, but there are a few ways to distinguish the gender of a Canada goose.

Instructions

1. 

   Geese mate for life.

   Look for a mated pair of geese, as this makes determining the sex easier. A gander mates with the same goose for his entire life. A mated pair will always be together around the nest. They protect each other if one is injured and raise young together.

2. 

   Ganders are more aggressive than females.

   Determine which bird is the largest of the pair. A gander is typically larger than the female and more aggressive, especially when protecting his nest.

3. 

   The female will sit on the nest.

   Look for the nest. The female will be the one sitting on the nest, protecting the eggs.

4. 

   Male and female geese sound different from each other.

   Listen to the geese as they "talk" to each other. The gander's honk will be lower and slower, while the goose's call is high-pitched and quick.

Tips & Warnings

• Trained professionals can determine the sex of a Canada goose by inserting their finger into the cloacal vent, or genital area, of the bird. This is often referred to as "venting."

• Do not attempt to sex a Canada goose by venting unless you are a trained professional.

References

• Great Plains Nature Center: Canada Goose
• Coalition to Prevent the Destruction of Canada Geese: Frequently Asked Questions
• Coalition to Prevent the Destruction of Canada Geese: Frequently Asked Questions