How do you identify a goose?

With their long necks and legs, geese look like large ducks and are found in many of the same wetland habitats and backyard ponds. Their plumage comes in a variety of colors and, instead of quacking, they make a nasal honking sound.

Is killing geese illegal in Illinois?

In Illinois, Canada geese, like all waterfowl, are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the state Wildlife Code. It is illegal to kill or remove geese or to destroy, move, or disturb their active nests, eggs, or young without a PERMIT from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

What kind of geese are in Chicago?

There are two populations of Canada geese that seem to congregate in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area (GCMA)—temperate-breeding Canada geese, which are often called “resident geese,” and subarctic-breeding Canada geese, which breed on the southern portions of Hudson Bay and migrate to Wisconsin and Illinois during …

Are there different colored geese?

The vast majority of geese come in combinations of four main colors; black, grey, brown, and white. This is because they have adapted their coloring to blend in with their surroundings to avoid predators. Geese come in many variations of black, grey, brown, and white.

What kind of goose is gray and white?

A domestic swan goose usually has a large knob at the base of the bill (the wild form lacks this). It also can show a white patch behind the bill. It varies from wild type coloring (mostly gray with a dark line down the back of the otherwise white neck) to pure white.

How do you tell if it’s a duck or goose?

In general, geese are larger than ducks. They have longer necks, more elongated bodies, and yes, they also have longer legs. On the other hand, the duck is typically smaller with a little stout body and short legs. A duck’s bill is longer and comes up just below their eyes, while a goose’s bill is much shorter.

Can you shoot geese on the ground?

It is perfectly legal to shoot geese on the water (including in Maryland), or for that matter shooting them on the ground also. In some peoples opinion it is not sporting or ethical. I’m not one to go jump shoot a flock of birds in a field or loafing on water, but if geese land in my decoys, they are getting shot.

Can you shoot geese on your land?

Federal law protects Canada geese. It is illegal to harm geese, their eggs, or their nests in the United States without permission from the U.S. Fish and Wild Service (USFWS). Geese may be harassed or scared away without a permit as long as the geese, goslings, eggs, and nests are not harmed.

Are there geese in Chicago?

Canada geese, which were nearly extinct in the 1960s, are now thriving in the Chicago area — and many other Midwestern cities — because cities like Chicago provide them with ponds for swimming, trimmed grass for grazing, few predators, hunting-free zones and plentiful food (like grass, garbage and sometimes feed from …

What are predators of geese?

Raccoons, skunks, foxes, crows, and snakes prey on their eggs; snapping turtles, foxes, bobcats, hawks, coyotes, and raccoons prey on goslings; and coyotes, bobcats, and people prey on the adults. Geese generally start breeding at three years of age.

What type of goose is white?

Snow geese
Snow geese are known for their white plumage, but many of them are actually darker, gray-brown birds known as blue geese.

Are there snow geese in Illinois?

More facts about Illinois geese. Snow geese breed in the arctic tundra. Those passing through Illinois are likely from the Hudson Bay. Their migration path is elliptical in shape, meaning that fall migrants pass to the west, while more geese return through Illinois in the spring. Flocks of snow geese usually contain white and blue phases.

How many different types of Canada geese are there?

There are seven subspecies of Canada geese. The giant Canada goose ( maxima) subspecies is the most common in Illinois and is a year-round resident. Canada geese are large birds, weighing 6 to 24 pounds. A Canada goose has a black head and neck with a white patch on either side of the head.

Where do geese live in North America?

Perhaps the most widely known goose in North America, the Canada goose is, as you might expect, native throughout Canada and the US where they spend their summers. Around 300 years ago this species was introduced to the UK, and is now a common and easily recognizable bird there despite being invasive to Europe.

Are Canada geese in Illinois dangerous to humans?

Canada geese in Illinois are not considered to be a major public health concern, as they are not significant carriers of infectious diseases transmittable to humans or domestic animals. However, direct contact with geese or droppings should be avoided. Canada goose droppings. Click to expand. Canada geese spend several hours every day grazing.