How Long Do Canada Geese Live? (Canadian Goose Lifespan)

Although they are sometimes incorrectly called Canada geese, their official name is canada goose It’s Canada Goose. They were first introduced to London from North America in the 17th century and are now one of the most widespread resident geese in the UK. Populations of this species swell each spring with large broods added to the family group, and they are often seen grazing in open fields. But how long can an adult Canada goose be expected to live? Read on to find out.

In the wild, Canada geese live 10 to 24 years. Older individuals, captive geese have been recorded to live much longer. Once a Canada goose gosling reaches the fledgling stage, it has a good chance of surviving to adulthood.

Canada geese are managed every year in some parts of the world due to the widespread damage chickens cause to farmland and considered by many farmers to be an agricultural pest. Populations are kept in check in this way, although the species remains one of the most widespread and longest-lived geese, with one captive individual recorded approaching 50 years of age.

To learn more about the potentially extremely long lifespan of Canada geese, we examined different factors and adaptations that affect their long-term viability in captivity and in natural habitats.

In the wild, Canada geese can live up to 24 years old

How long can Canada geese live in the wild?

The average lifespan of a Canada Geese is between 10 and 24 years, with 20s not uncommon. The oldest known wild Canada goose was brought into captivity in Ontario in 1969 and died in 2001, making her at least 33 years and 3 months old.

Once goslings reach the fledgling stage, the survival rate of young and juvenile Canada geese increases. 28% to 59% of respondents canada goose It is estimated that the inner subspecies die between hatching and eclosion. Once the goslings are adults, survival rates increase and the adult birds are no longer a target for predators.

How long can Canada geese live in captivity?

In captivity, Canada geese have the potential to live extremely long lives, with the longest-lived individual on record at 49 years and 8 months. There are also rumors of other geese living into their 40s, but this cannot be confirmed.

Canada goose rising from the water

How Do Most Canada Geese Die?

In agricultural areas, Canada geese may be considered a pest, and approximately 2.6 million Canada geese are culled each year in North America as part of official legal controls. In the UK, hunting Canada geese requires a special permit as they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Other factors that can kill Canada geese and goslings include predator attacks, disease (especially bird flu), and starvation. Collisions with power cables and being struck by vehicles have also contributed to the death of Canada geese, and collisions between geese and aircraft are well documented.

What is the life cycle of a Canada goose?

Canada geese breed once a year, from April to May, and lay 2 to 10 eggs. The eggs are hatched only by the female, although the male stays nearby to protect the nest.

The eggs hatch after 28 to 30 days, and the well-developed goslings are ready to leave the nest within the first 24-48 hours, depending on the weather. The goslings are able to swim and walk almost immediately, and from this time onwards they accompany the two mothers as they forage.

Canada goose goslings develop their wings at 6 to 9 weeks of age, but their parents continue to guard them closely until 10-12 weeks of age and remain in the family group until the first spring.

After one year, juvenile Canada geese are considered fully independent. Both males and females reach sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years of age, but the first breeding usually occurs after 3 years.

Canada geese and their goslings

What are the natural enemies of Canada geese?

Foxes, crows, crows and gulls are the most common predators of Canada goose eggs and goslings. In their native North America, coyotes, raccoons, bears and wolves may hunt adults and goslings.

How big was the oldest Canada goose?

The oldest recorded Canada goose was a captive male named George who hatched in April 1927 and died in December 1976 at the age of 49 years and 8 months.

Canada geese grazing along the river bank

How long can a Canada goose live without eating?

Canada geese need to be fed twice a day and spend up to 8 hours grazing on land during the day. They need to eat up to 1kg of grass per day, and their health can decline rapidly if they don’t have access to pastures with adequate nutritious food and vegetation.

Can Canada Geese Survive the Winter?

While some Canada geese migrate during the winter, they can easily survive the winter as long as there is enough food to sustain them. Geese can regulate their body temperature and have developed adaptations that help them cope when temperatures drop below freezing.

Standing on one leg is a special adaptation that prevents body heat loss. Likewise, tucking their beaks into the wing feathers is another way to conserve heat in freezing conditions.

Despite these adaptations to survive extreme cold, Canada geese can freeze to death if exposed to sub-zero temperatures for prolonged periods of time. Not having access to an adequate food source during winter can also lead to a rapid decline in the health of geese, as they do not have the necessary fat reserves to keep them warm.

Canada goose standing on one leg on a frozen lake

Are Canada Geese Endangered?

Canada geese are currently listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. However, this is not always the case. In the early 20th century, Canada geese were endangered in the United States, being hunted to the point where wild populations plummeted.

Unregulated hunting was brought under control, and the Canada Goose population recovered considerably. Populations have increased as the species has been introduced into different areas, newly created pastures, urban lakes and parks.