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• Geese are medium to large birds that belong to the Anatidae family, which also includes swans and ducks. Birds in the Antidae family are waterfowl, meaning they live and nest near sources of water. Approximately 30 species of geese have been identified and these migratory birds can be found worldwide.Chipper Woods Birds Observatory: Migrating Geese

  Especially during mating season, geese become territorial, which can result in aggression. This potentially aggressive nature was demonstrated in a video uploaded to YouTube in 2008. The video shows a Canada goose entering a fisherman's docked boat and attacking the man and his dog. The man picks up the goose and throws it out of the boat several times, but the goose keeps coming back. The pursues the boat for several seconds after it leaves the dock.YouTube Video: Crazy Goose Attacks a Man and his Dog on a Fishing Boat (Time: 2:20)

• Fast Facts

  1. Approximately 30 different species
  2. Migratory birds
  3. Migrate in a "V' or "U" patternChipper Woods Birds Observatory: Migrating Geese
  4. Found worldwide
  5. One of the first wild animals to be domesticated
  6. Some species mate for life
  7. Closely related to swans and ducks
  8. Male goose is called a gander
  9. Babies are called goslings
  10. Group is called a gaggle
  11. Both parents protect the nest and the young
  12. Canada geese can live up to 30 yearsChipper Woods Birds Observatory: Migrating Geese

• Domesticated Geese

  Geese were among the first animal species to be domesticated. Evidence suggests that the Egyptians may have begun to domesticate geese more than 3,000 years ago. In Asia, Europe and, to a lesser degree, North America, domestic geese are kept and exploited for their meat and eggs.Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Origins and Breeds of Domestic Geese

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Ducks | Pelican | Goose Recipes | Christmas Goose | Duck | Christmas Goose

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