Geese

Geese (Anserini) are a tribe of migratory waterfowl that belong to the family Anatidae. They can lay up to 50 eggs in a year, depending on the breed.

The goose is widespread mainly in Central Europe where it is represented by the grey goose (Anser anser) from which the domestic goose is derived. In the meantime the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) has appeared in Europe and now nests here as the swan (Cygnus olor). In East Asia the species Anser cygnoides has been domesticated from which the domestic goose species Anser cygnoides f. domestica will be derived. Scientists claim that the goose's original home is the Arctic region, where most wild goose species actually nest, migrating in winter to regions with temperate or tropical climates.

Compared to ducks where there is obvious sexual dimorphism, in geese the male can be distinguished only by the size of the smaller female. Geese are monogamous birds like swans, and the male helps the female build the nest.
Did you know that...?
• the goose is one of the first domesticated birds
• the ancestors of the two main breeds of geese are the Greyling Greylag Geese (Anser anser) and Chinese Geese (Swan Geese)
• geese use 10 different sounds to communicate
• the goose egg weighs 120-170 grams
• foie gras is a famous dish made from goose liver