Goose, along with the other members of the bird family Anatidae, are some of the most familiar types of birds.
These are the birds you might see in your backyard, and these birds are prevalent in North America and many parts of Europe. The different types of Goose are found worldwide, including in Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Furthermore, geese have several distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other types of waterfowl.
Table of Contents
- Toulouse Goose
- African Goose
- Andean Goose
- Hawaiian Goose
- Greylag Goose
- Ross Goose
- Emperor Goose
- Sebastopol Goose
- Pilgrim Goose
- American Buff
- Pomeranian Goose
- Steinbacher Goose
- Scania Goose
- Shetland Goose
- Chinese Goose
- Tufted Roman Goose
- Canada Goose
- Czechoslovakian White Goose
- Huoyan Goose
- Landes Goose
- Kuban Goose
- Embden Goose
- Canada Goose
- Crested Greylag Goose
- Northern Pintail Goose
- Wood Duck Goose
Toulouse Goose
Originating from France, these birds were originally bred for their ability to provide rich foie gras. They’re still prized for that reason today. If you see one grazing your front lawn, it’s a pet!
However, if you feed them well, they can be perfectly domesticated pets.
African Goose
Though known as geese, African geese are a type of duck. While they look similar to other Goose, their body is more compact and pear-shaped.
Furthermore, they are smaller than most Goose types, ranging from 20 to 23 inches long. Their wingspan is approximately 4 feet across. They are different types of Goose; its meat is considered a delicacy among some cultures.
Andean Goose
Andean Goose lives in tropical highlands, up to about 4,000m. They breed near lakes and marshes, as well as on small islands. Andean Goose is a different type of Goose that is most commonly found in Argentina and Chile.
In addition, they are also seen throughout much of Peru and Bolivia. Because they can be easily confused with barnacle goose, scientists aren’t sure how many exist worldwide or where they spend most of their time.
However, less than 25,000 pairs are estimated to be left in their native habitat. The Andean Goose is unique from the other different types of Goose. It spends its life year-round at relatively low altitudes (below ), where food sources remain available year-round.
Hawaiian Goose
The Hawaiian Goose, also known as nene, is one of the different types of Goose that is endemic to Hawaii. The population has been reduced to 1,000-2,500 birds due to predators like mongooses and dogs. Their numbers were once so low that they were on the brink of extinction, but now conservation efforts are being made by humans.
To boost their numbers, you can order captive-bred nene goslings online and set them free once they’re old enough. Make sure there’s no risk to native Hawaiians before you do it!
Greylag Goose
The most common type of the different types of Goose that people see in their backyards is likely to be a greylag goose. These geese are also known as wild geese because they can be found living freely throughout most parts of Europe and much of Asia.
Like all Goose, greylags make their homes along lakes and wetlands, where there’s plenty of food for them to eat.
Ross Goose
On our list of the different types of Goose, the Ross goose is one of two types of Canada geese. Ross geese are famous amongst hunters and considered to be some of their best meat.
Females have no orange in their eyes, whereas males have orange eye colors ranging from reds to orangish brown. Younger males can sometimes be seen with an orange beak as well!
Though they’re not threatened by extinction, they are one of the different types of Goose that face a declining population due to hunting and habitat loss.
Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to make sure that your neighborhood isn’t negatively affecting these beautiful creatures!
Emperor Goose
The emperor goose is native to far eastern Russia but was introduced to many areas throughout North America. An extremely hardy bird, it has now grown quite accustomed to a wide range of habitats.
These different types of Goose can live anywhere from sub-arctic tundra to lakeside beaches and even urban environments.
Further, Emperor geese are one of Canada’s most recognizable symbols, adorning coats of arms and appearing on much Canadian currency. However, these birds have been significantly reduced in number due to hunting and habitat destruction.
Fortunately, conservation efforts have allowed numbers to rebound somewhat in recent years. They are still classified as a vulnerable species by Environment Canada today. They even grow more significant than their wild cousins too!
Sebastopol Goose
This Goose is native to Florida and resembles a white Canadian Goose.
Pilgrim Goose
The Pilgrim Goose is a type that is rather large and can be found in wetland areas. This bird is one of three types of Goose commonly seen throughout North America.
Additionally, the other two types include whistling geese and snow geese. These birds also have specific characteristics that make them unique from each other.
For instance, snow geese prefer to live in colder climates, whereas whistling geese tend to stick to warm areas with fresh water access, such as lakes or marshes.
American Buff
Like many other types of Goose, they are gregarious birds that flock together for protection and safety. They can be found living near waterways as well as cultivated land where grasses grow plentiful (and tasty!).
Pomeranian Goose
Their fluffy plumage and cute face characterize a breed developed in Britain, these little white balls of fluff. They will flock around you if they like you but have been known to chase people who look at them wrong.
However, the Pomeranian goose isn’t brilliant. But don’t count them out too quickly from other types of Goose; they might surprise you with a good idea once or twice over a short period.
Lastly, make sure not to get bitten. They are prone to biting and pecking if they think you’re getting too close to their nests.
Steinbacher Goose
The Steinbacher goose is a breed of domestic Goose raised for meat. The breed was developed from a population derived from feral Greylag geese, descended from wild Greylag geese imported to North America around 1851.
Thus they are sometimes called Polish or Polski geese to distinguish them from other types of Goose that are domesticated.
Steinbacher geese are bred primarily for their meat. Their type is different from other different types of Goose. They are one of the rare breeds that lay many eggs (up to 150) with few fertility problems.
Scania Goose
This Swedish breed is thought to be a cross between a West Greenland and a Swedish barnacle goose. They are great pets but have been known to have aggressive tendencies. If you keep your Scania as a pet, socialize them well so they don’t become aggressive towards people later in life.
Shetland Goose
(Branta fasciata) This species, native to Eurasia, is a medium-sized goose with a black head and neck, pale gray back, and wings. The breast and belly are white. Immature birds are mottled brown.
This particular type of Goose is unique as they breed around St. Petersburg, Russia. Also, on islands off west Scotland; Denmark; Norway, Iceland, Alaska, and northwestern Canada.
Furthermore, the winter on coasts or open grassy areas throughout western Europe, northern Asia, and North America up to Labrador.
Chinese Goose
The Chinese Goose is an endangered species among the different types of Goose. Thereby making it illegal to kill these birds in many states.
These birds can live up to 20 years if provided with proper care. Most often kept by zoos due to their rarity and close association with humans. You may find one of these waterfowls at your local zoo or aviary.
Tufted Roman Goose
This small, all-white Goose is known for its distinct tuft. The white and gray plumes on its head create a crown similar to that of a lion, unique from other types of Goose.
And they’re found throughout Europe and Asia and prefer cool areas, especially those close to water. Tufted Roman geese are generally tame around humans, making great lawn ornaments or pets.
However, they will defend their nests if threatened by predators, which can lead to messy confrontations between these gentle birds and aggressive animals such as dogs or foxes.
Canada Goose
Among the different types of Goose, two types of geese are called Canadian geese. These include snow and blue. Additionally, juveniles have whitish cheeks with scaly brown markings on their heads. Their upper wings are gray with darker flight feathers; their under wings are pale gray with black flight feathers.
Czechoslovakian White Goose
Also called a snow goose, these birds are native to Canada and migrate south for colder weather. If you’ve heard birds cackling at night, that’s a good indication that you might have some Czechoslovakian White geese hanging around your neighborhood during winter.
While they may look similar to regular white geese from afar, up close, you’ll notice their black eyes, which stand out against their otherwise stark-white feathers.
Huoyan Goose
On our list of the different types of Goose, Huoyan is a breed of domesticated Goose and was created by Ming dynasty farmers. These birds live for about 15 years. They are bred not just for their meat but also for their feathers which can be used to make high-quality pillows.
There are two types of Huoyan geese: one that uses its feathers for bedding and one that doesn’t. If you want these birds to lay eggs, you’ll need at least five females or three males.
Landes Goose
The Landes goose is a breed of domestic Goose originating from Southwest France. It comes in two color varieties – white and brown- and three sizes – large, medium, and bantam. These different types of Goose typically grow to be between 25-40 pounds.
Furthermore, they are recognized by their upright posture, red face, and erect neck feathers. Their eggs are pale blue-green. If you see geese walking around your yard regularly, they’re probably Landes geese!
Kuban Goose
The Kuban goose is known for its white feathers and reddish-brown head. It lives primarily on a diet of plant life and has been known to eat small animals such as mice.
For their aggressive behavior, they are one of the different types of Goose considered pests by many farmers. Who use pesticides to try to eliminate them. If you see one, you’ll notice they have piercing yellow eyes.
For this reason, the name the Kuban comes from their original habitat, which sits between Europe and Asia.
Embden Goose
They are known for their ability to adapt to new environments. These particular types of Goose originated in China but have since been spread around by humans. They are generally found on farms and are raised for food.
Canada Goose
It’s hard to talk about geese without bringing up Canadian geese. Which live almost everywhere and commonly populate your local park.
Even though it’s one of our most typical types of Goose, there is a lot we don’t know about it, like where it came from and how it wound up all over North America.
In most cases, there is no way to differentiate between males and females. You can enjoy spotting them without worrying about which type you’re looking at!
Crested Greylag Goose
The greylag goose is the most common type of Goose appearing in backyards and other populated areas.
And while they may not pose much risk to humans, these geese will attack other animals that enter their territory. A unique trait that sets them apart from different types of Goose.
Furthermore, Both males and females look nearly identical. Aside from being slightly smaller than males upon reaching adulthood, females don’t exhibit significant differences in appearance.
Northern Pintail Goose
Though it resembles a duck, a Northern Pintail is one of the different types of Goose. Their nesting season extends from April to June, when they form life-long monogamous bonds with each other after pairing off in February or March, when migration begins.
Wood Duck Goose
This is a winter bird, which means it nests in North America and spends its winters at warmer latitudes. When summer comes around, it returns to its nest. This is one of the different types of Goose known as woodies.
These birds are found throughout North America. They live near ponds, rivers, and other fresh-water sources with plentiful vegetation.
Also, they have orange legs and beaks with yellow tips. Male wood ducks are much more colorful than females.
Conclusion
Regarding different types of Goose, your local neighborhood park might have a few. Or you may be able to spot some through a window at your local zoo. A trip to nearby lakes and ponds may offer you chances to see them up close and personal.
However, no matter where you see them, Goose adds beauty and elegance to almost any setting. It’s not uncommon for people to take pictures from afar of their colorful plumage.
Lastly, If you’re lucky enough to meet one face-to-face, be on guard as it can be quite an aggressive animal known for attacking intruders!
