Birds/Nature
If It Looks Like a Duck, It Might Be a Goose
Geese differ from ducks in at least a dozen ways
“That’s a beautiful duck!” my niece commented when we were walking in her neighborhood.
“I think it’s a Canada goose,” I said. (Lead photo)
“It kind of… looks like a duck,” was her response.
People often mistake geese for ducks. I know I did. But my niece’s words got me thinking: What’s the difference between the two?
Here’s what I found —
Ducks and geese are kin. They both belong to the Anatidae family. Still, these two species of waterfowl differ in a wide range of characteristics, such as:
- Size: The average length for geese is between 30–50 inches. They have longer bodies than ducks that come in at 15–30 inches.
- Weight: Geese are heavier than ducks. They weigh between 4–20 pounds. Ducks tip the scale at 2–5 pounds.
- Length of neck: Geese have longer necks with 17–24 neck bones. Ducks have 16 or fewer neck bones.
- Coloration: Geese come in a combination of four colors: black, grey, brown, and white. Although the male goose is larger than its mate, there is no difference in coloration between the genders. Male ducks usually sport colorful feathers. Females are more sedately attired.
- Legs: Both ducks and geese have webbed feet, But geese show more leg than ducks do — they have longer legs.
- Bills: Duck bills are long and wide. Geese have bills that are shorter and more pointed. These differences may have evolved to suit their respective diets.
- Diets: Geese are borderline omnivores. They include small fish and insects in their diet. But they thrive on plant matter such as grass, grains, berries, and so forth. Ducks are true omnivores. They eat fish, crustaceans, seeds, fruits, and insects.
- Vocalization: Ducks communicate by quacking. Geese honk.
- Mating: Ducks are monogamous over a single breeding season. Geese mate for life. But if they lose their mate, they will seek another one.
- Breeding: A brood of ducklings ranges between 7–12. The male usually takes off when the female is incubating the eggs. The female stays with the ducklings until they develop their flight feathers. Geese have smaller families and are devoted parents. They usually hatch 2–7 goslings. Both male and female geese participate in taking care of their young.
- Lifespan: Ducks live, on average, for 5–10 years. Geese live about 10–20 years. The duck’s shorter lifespan is imputed to its smaller size, which makes it more susceptible to predation. Geese are also more aggressive than ducks. They defend themselves vigorously if they feel threatened.
- Migration: Juvenile ducks gather together before migration. They rely on their instincts (rather than guidance from the adults) to recognize navigational cues. Geese have stronger family bonds. Young geese follow their parents and learn to identify geographical features along the route.
“The sound of geese flying overhead is the sound of life moving on.” ― Marty Rubin
Thank you, Jane Frost (Jane Grows Garden Rooms), for publishing my piece in your lovely pub.
Loved this sweet story by Ruby Lee about celebrating adoption:
And this view of Manhattan through the eyes of a nature lover by Donnette Anglin:
Here’s some of my stuff:
Thanks for reading! 🌿