Branta canadensis
Ponds, parks, and fields across North America. Three webbed toes, track about 3 to 4 inches.
What does a canada goose look like?
Brown goose, black neck, white cheek patch.
What do canada goose tracks look like?
Webbed, pigeon-toed, in a line from water to grass.
- Three webbed toes, track about 3 to 4 inches
- Webbing shows in good mud
- Feet turn inward
- Droppings are green-brown cords, often a mess on lawns
- Black head and white chinstrap if seen
What does canada goose poop look like?
Short green or brown tubes on lawns where the flock feeds. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Ponds, parks, and fields across North America. Typical places: wetland, yard, field. Year-round in many cities. Migratory elsewhere.
What to do next
- Do not feed
- Give nesting geese room in spring
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Mallard identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
Webbed three-toed prints about 3 to 4 inches, toes turned in.
How to tell a canada goose from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Mallard. A small webbed print. Male has a green head and chestnut chest.
Canada goose field marks
- Three webbed toes, track about 3 to 4 inches
- Webbing shows in good mud
- Feet turn inward
- Droppings are green-brown cords, often a mess on lawns
Where the sign shows up
Ponds, parks, and fields across North America. Typical places: wetland, yard, field. Year-round in many cities. Migratory elsewhere.
Webbed, pigeon-toed, in a line from water to grass. Short green or brown tubes on lawns where the flock feeds.
Common questions
What do Canada goose tracks look like?
Webbed three-toed prints about 3 to 4 inches, toes turned in.