Goose

A goose (pl.: geese) is a bird of any of several waterfowl species in the family Anatidae. This group comprises the genera Anser (grey geese and white geese) and Branta (black geese). Some members of the Anatinae subfamily (e.g., Egyptian goose, Orinoco goose) are commonly called geese, but are not considered "true geese" taxonomically.

The term "goose" may refer to such bird of either sex, but when paired with "gander", "goose" refers specifically to a female one ("gander" referring to a male). Young birds before fledging are called goslings. The collective noun for a group of geese on the ground is a gaggle; when in flight, they are called a skein, a team, or a wedge; when flying close together, they are called a plump.

Etymology

The word "goose" comes from very old language roots. It started in Proto-Indo-European and spread into many languages. For example, in Old English it was "gōs", and in Dutch it is "gans". Many other languages, like Spanish, Russian, and Polish, have their own versions of this word too.

True geese and their relatives

The two living groups of true geese are: Anser, which includes grey geese and white geese like the greylag goose and snow goose, and Branta, which includes black geese like the Canada goose.

Two other groups of geese are sometimes placed with the true geese, but they might belong to a different group or form their own subfamily: Cereopsis, the Cape Barren goose, and Cnemiornis, the prehistoric New Zealand goose. Either these or the goose-like coscoroba swan may be the closest living relative of true geese.

Fossils of true geese are difficult to classify into specific groups, but they show that many different kinds of true geese have existed for about 10 million years ago in the Miocene, especially in North America. One ancient species, Anser atavus, which lived around 12 million years ago, shared many features with swans. Some goose-like birds are also known from ancient remains found on the Hawaiian Islands.

Geese usually stay together as pairs all year. Unlike many other animals that stay together, geese only defend their area during the short time they are nesting. Geese that stay together are stronger and find more food, which helps them have more young.

Fossil record

Scientists have found fossils of geese that are very old, from about 10 to 12 million years ago. One special fossil from a place called Gargano in Italy shows a giant goose named Garganornis ballmanni. This goose lived around 6 to 9 million years ago and was very big — about one and a half meters tall and weighed as much as 22 kilograms. Unlike geese today, this ancient bird could not fly.

Migratory patterns

Most geese move from place to place each year, but some Canada geese that live close to people might stay in the same area all year if they have enough food and water.

When geese travel, they use clues from nature like temperature and food to know when to leave. They have a special way to find their direction using Earth's magnetic field. Geese fly in a V formation, which helps them save energy and stay connected with each other. The birds at the front switch places on long trips so everyone can rest, and parents usually lead the group.

Other birds called "geese"

Some birds from mainly the Southern Hemisphere are called "geese", even though they are not true geese. These include birds like the Orinoco goose, the Egyptian goose, and several types of sheldgeese.

Other birds also called "geese" include the spur-winged goose, the blue-winged goose, and the Cape Barren goose. There are also small waterfowl called "pygmy geese", the maned goose, and the magpie goose. Even a seabird called the northern gannet is sometimes known as the "solan goose", though it is not related to true geese.

In popular culture

Sayings and phrases that reference geese

Some fun sayings use the word "goose." For example, "to have a gander" means to take a look at something. Another phrase, "what's good for the goose is good for the gander," suggests that fair treatment should apply to everyone equally. If someone's "goose is cooked," it means they are in big trouble. Calling someone a "silly goose" is a light way to say they are acting foolish. The phrase "killing the goose that lays the golden eggs" warns against destroying something valuable for short-term gain. Finally, "a wild goose chase" describes a pointless and frustrating search.

Geese as characters in cultural works

Geese appear in many stories and games. Mother Goose is a famous name linked to classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales. An indie game called Untitled Goose Game from 2019 follows the funny adventures of a mischievous goose in a village. Geese also show up in older poems that talk about important life topics.

"Gray Goose Laws" in Iceland

In Iceland, an old set of laws is called the Gray Goose Laws. People have different ideas about why it has this name — some think it's because the laws were written with a goose quill, others believe it’s because they were written on goose skin, and a few think it’s because people once thought geese lived longer than other birds.