| Goose, Aleutian Canada | |||
| Genus | Branta | ||
| Species | canadensis | ||
| Subspecies | leucopareia | ||
| Status | Threatened | ||
| Habitat | Streambanks, marshes, lagoons, sea cliffs, fields | ||
| Distribution | USA (Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington), Japan | ||
| Appearance | The Aleutian Canada goose is a small bird, with a grayish brown body and black tail, neck, bill, feet and legs. It has white cheecks nd a ring at the base of a black neck. The belly, rump, and tail coverts are all black. It has long legs. Males have an average wing length of 386.4 mm, females 372.6 mm. Juveniles have paler coloring, and the white neck ring is indistinct or absent. Chicks are brownish olive above and whitish yellow below. | ||
| Behavior | Young geese are hidden by tall rye grass and other plants. The nests of these birds are made of dead grass and feathers, down and bits of straw. | ||
| Diet | Berries, sedge, red fescue, velvet grass | ||
| Feeding | These geese fatten up in the fall on berries. The main food during the breeding season is sedge and red fescue. | ||
| Breeding | Clutches of eggs usually average six eggs, and are laid in late May or early June. Over 80% of the nests hatch young, but glaucous-winged gulls and bald eagles are known to prey on young. | ||
| Gestation | 27-28 days (incubation) | ||
| No. of Young | 6 - 13 eggs | ||
| 6 - 13 eggs | |||
| Conservation |
The Aleutian Canada goose is endangered primarily due to the introduction of arctic or blue foxes on the Aleutian Islands. The presence of these new predators has resulted in a rapid population decline and reduction of breeding range to one small island. The blue foxes were first introduced because their fur was in high demand, and large populations of their species were maintained in areas where the Aleutian goose existed. Excessive hunting along the bird's migration route and wintering grounds has also contributed to its decline.
The main objectives for managing this species include an extensive captive breeding and reintroduction program. Foxes would be relocated or controlled to try and help this species further. Hunting reduction is also being enforced. | ||
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| Animal Communication Panel | |||
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