Nesting Biology of a Resident Flock of Canada Geese

Productivity, nesting biology, and gosling survival of a resident flock of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were studied in southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia from 1977 to 1982. A total of 323 nests contained 1,631 eggs. The nesting season usually began in late February and ended in early June. Yearly nest success varied from 27% to 64%. Flooding resulted in the destruction of 35% of total nests and was ranked as the major cause of nest failure. Nest success on artificial nest structures and beaver (Castor canadensis) lodges was higher than on islands and the shoreline. More than 63% of the nests were located on islands, and 24% were located on artificial nest structures. Mean clutch size was 5.6 eggs/ nest, but mean brood size at nest departure was only 4.0 goslings/nest. About 38% of the goslings that hatched survived to fledging.

Publication date
Starting page
228
Ending page
238
ID
10010