Geese

Geese are large waterfowl in the tribe Anserini of the family Anatidae. They have long necks, broad bodies, and strong grazing habits. Most species occur in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, though some migrate to other areas. Geese include species in two genera, Anser and Branta, with both wild and domesticated forms.

They are social birds that feed primarily on vegetation. Their diets consist of grasses, roots, seeds, and aquatic plants; in agricultural areas they may feed on crops. Many geese are migratory, flying in characteristic V-shaped formations and producing honking calls during flight. Breeding typically occurs on the ground in nests concealed by vegetation; clutches usually contain several eggs, with incubation lasting about 28–32 days. Both parents participate in incubation and chick care. Goslings are precocial and can forage with the adults soon after hatching.

Domestic geese are descended mainly from the greylag goose (Anser anser) and, in some regions, the swan goose (Anser cygorynchus). They are kept for meat, eggs, and feathers, and have also been valued as guard animals on farms.

Conservation status varies by species. Some geese populations are abundant and expanding, while others are threatened by habitat loss, hunting pressure, or climate change. Geese play important roles in wetland ecosystems and have a long history of interaction with human activities.