Geese form powerful pair bonds and mate for life, while ducks have short mating seasons and mate with a different partner every season. Ducks have longer, wider bills than geese and are omnivores, while geese tend to be predominantly herbivorous-although some species do eat small fish and insects at times. ![]() Geese can occasionally be found with colored feathers, but ducks are generally far more colorful than geese, especially males. Geese are far larger than even the biggest duck species and have longer, more slender necks too. What Are the Differences Between Geese and Ducks? Related Read: 32 Fascinating & Fun Duck Facts You Never Knew Since ducks are expert foragers, they are great for keeping weeds at bay and are the ideal solution if you have a slug infestation-slugs are irresistible to ducks!īesides their delicious meat, ducks are far more prolific layers than geese, and in captivity, they can lay an egg every day or two in the right conditions, making them ideal for small homesteads as an alternative to chickens. Image Credit: Alfonso Perez, Shutterstockĭucks are highly useful animals that are used for meat, eggs, and feathers. Ducks, like geese, are omnivores and forage on grass, aquatic plants, insects, and even small crustaceans. While geese are known for pair-mating and bonding for life, ducks form seasonal bonds only, and new pair bonds are formed each season. They do best in small flocks and are known to become depressed if they live alone. Ducks are generally docile, social creatures and do not have the aggressive reputation of geese. Males are usually the most colorful, depending on the species, and females typically have dull brown feathers that make it easier for them to hide from predators.ĭucks tend to spend most of their time on the water and inhabit ponds, streams, rivers, and wetlands and can be found on every continent but Antarctica. Most ducks also have long necks but still much shorter necks than swans or geese. These include diving ducks, dabbling ducks, goldeneyes, and perching ducks, and there are various species within these categories.Ī standard duck, no matter the species, has a characteristic rounded head, torpedo-shaped body, and a flattened, rounded bill. Today the geese are a popular game bird, and some management concerns center on keeping populations in check because of their detrimental effect on crops.Ducks are typically divided into several categories according to common characteristics. The birds were guarded by law and even reintroduced in some areas where their numbers had become low. Population RecoveryĬanada goose populations represent a successful wildlife protection program that revived dwindling numbers in the beginning of the 20th century. These noisy groups honk their way along established paths that include designated “rest stops.” These social birds remain in flocks year-round, except while nesting. When the birds do migrate, they form impressive and aerodynamic “V-formations.” They can cover 1,500 miles in just 24 hours with a favorable wind, but typically travel at a much more leisurely rate. Just 50 geese can produce two and a half tons of excrement in a year. In some areas, such as airports, they are so numerous that they are considered a nuisance. Other Canada geese have become permanent residents of parks, golf courses, suburban subdevelopments, and other human habitats across much of North America. This cycle endures, but some northern populations have shortened their flight to traditional wintering grounds in the southern U.S. ![]() Typically, the birds summered in northern North America and flew south when cold weather arrived. Because of changing weather, settlement, and farming patterns, many Canada (not “Canadian”) geese have begun to alter their migrations. Adaptations to Changing EnvironmentsĬanada geese are adaptable to many habitats and may thrive wherever grasses, grains, or berries are available. state and Canadian province at one time of the year or another. The ubiquitous Canada goose is one of the best known birds in North America.
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