Description of breeds of geese
The goose is an unusual small-sized bird that is found near open water bodies. The freedom-loving bird swims well, moves on land and flies. Every year geese huddle in flocks and migrate to warmer regions.
Goose
A hardy specimen does not like frosty winters and goes south in search of food for the entire flock. What types of geese are found in nature? We will learn everything about the red-breasted goose.
Small bird - goose
In appearance, it is a very beautiful, but unremarkable breed of birds that does not go into contact with humans. Such birds keep in a flock and lead a close-knit lifestyle. Young animals are nursed by all adults, and during migration, the flock takes care of a sick or wounded individual. Feathers differ from other wild breeds in their dark color, which shimmers in the sunlight. They always fly together with a strict key, which is audible for several kilometers.
Faithful winged ones find a mate for procreation, and as soon as the female sits on the eggs, the male becomes the main protector of future offspring. The female incubates 6 to 8 goslings at a time. In just a month, the eggs turn into a brood, which is ready to change the flock's habitat by autumn. Geese are constantly hunted. Goose fur is used for sewing insulation or fillers, and dietary goose meat is suitable even for sick people.
It is not difficult to distinguish this breed from other wild ones. Small size, dark head and gray peritoneum - the goose stands out from afar. Birds love water and build their own nests in dense thickets of grass. The diet of adults and young animals mainly consists of greens, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients. There are several species of birds found in their natural habitat.
Variety of feathered goose breed
The goose is a waterfowl with well-developed instincts. It is extremely difficult to catch it even on land. The bird is small and nimble, which complicates the task of any hunter. For convenience, according to the habitat and lifestyle of wild geese, birds were divided into several species:
- barnacle geese;
- red-throated subspecies;
- Canadian goose;
- black wild goose;
- white-fronted goose;
- Hawaiian goose.
Goose (rufibrenta ruficollis) is a difficult bird, has its own characteristics and a harmful, cunning character.
Each subspecies has its own external characteristics, which depend on the daily diet of birds or the environment. The plumage of adults practically does not change from the composition of the water in the lake or river. Goose of different species may differ in the massiveness of the body or the size of individual parts of the body. Such geese live only in warm countries with a continental climate. Small numbers of geese are bred all over the world.
Where does this species prefer to live? The goose of the genus geese is not found in forest areas or in areas with few open bodies of water. A flock can settle down even near reservoirs. If there is enough greenery near the reservoir, such a place will become a permanent home for the flock.The Hawaiian or Canadian goose lives on the same continent and even after migration returns to its former place of residence. What is the difference between the Hawaiian goose and the Canadian geese?
Bird appearance
Regardless of the type of goose (wild geese), it looks like a duck.
This winged species lives in the wild, so it is very easy for a person to confuse different subspecies. The domesticated duck looks like birds living near water bodies. The small size of the body, which distinguishes the goose, can pass it off as another bird. An adult of this breed (wild geese) has a black head and a gray or white body. The red breed stands out due to the bright spots on the neck.
Appearance is not the only distinguishing feature of different subspecies. The behavior of the geese, the number of its offspring and the way of life can differ significantly. All signs help to establish the exact species of birds living near rivers or lakes. An adult individual (wild geese) is divided according to the following criteria:
- Barnacle. The body length of a bird reaches 80 cm with a maximum carcass weight of 3 kg. The back is predominantly dark in color, the neck is slightly lighter. The belly is white, sometimes with a gray tint. The cheeks are light, stand out well against the background of the black head. The breed lives in warm countries (Tundra or a cold climate are not suitable for birds).
- Red-throated goose. Red-throated birds are distinguished by a wide neck and short beak. The color of the feathers is predominantly red or brown. The optimal bird weight is 2 kg with a body length of 60 cm.
- Canadian feathered. Dark head, black plumage to the body. Flanks and belly are gray, lighter than wing feathers. The maximum length is a meter (the record holders reached a value of 101 centimeters) and a weight of up to 7 kg. The tundra or the cold climate is not to the Canadian bird's liking; it chooses a humid environment in warm areas. The red spotted head distinguishes females and males.
- Black birds. The bird color ranges from black to dark brown. On the feathered neck, white feathers stand out, which from the side resemble a collar. Light down on the belly also indicates a black breed of wild geese that live near lakes (Tundra, areas with constant drought are not suitable for habitat).
- Hawaiian purebred goose. This type of bird lives only in warm or island countries (Tundra or Taiga are not categorically suitable). White spots are visible throughout the body of the Hawaiian goose.
- White-fronted view. Small carcasses of geese, in contrast to gray breeds, are distinguished by short plumage and discreet color of down all over the body. The head is framed with a characteristic border. Dark spots are visible on the back.
The wild goose variety does not make a significant difference for the hunter. Poultry meat will be tasty and healthy if the birds eat correctly and in a balanced manner, whatever the region in which they nest. Freedom-loving birds do not stray into too large flocks, and the young live with their parents for up to 2 years.
It will not be possible to breed a wild goose at home. Birds with light weight and bright color of feathers love wild spaces near the cool river. The capture of birds is strictly regulated by law.
Breed lifestyle
A female can have healthy offspring only in favorable conditions. Birds need clean water and lots of greenery. The flocks feed on the remains of wheat and barley after harvest. The goose nests once a year, mainly in summer, when there is plenty of green food and water.
Goose groups migrate in the fall before the onset of the first cold weather. Birds move along large rivers, even if for this it is necessary to overcome a large number of kilometers. Juveniles of any species travel with adult geese and participate in foraging for the flock.