Louisiana is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting a rich variety of geese & swans. we have found 9 species like the superb Canada Goose and the smart Tundra Swan.
Today we are discussing in-depth about most beautiful 9 species of GEESE & SWANS
For each species, we will provide how they look, living status, food, how they nest, how many eggs lay yearly & lifespan.
Table of Contents
List of 9 Geese & Swans Found In Louisiana
1. Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Branta
- Species: B. hutchinsii
The Cackling Goose is a small bird that resembles a Canada Goose but is much tinier. They have a black head, white cheek patches, and a short black bill. Living mainly in the northern parts of North America, they migrate south in flocks during winter.
These geese primarily eat grass and grains. They nest on the ground, using grass to build their nests. A Cackling Goose typically lays about 2 to 8 eggs each year. Their lifespan in the wild can be up to 12 years.
- Length: 24.8-25.6 in (63-65 cm)
- Weight: 49.3-84.0 oz (1,400-2,380 g)
- Wingspan: 42.5-43.7 in (108-111 cm
2. Ross’s Goose (Anser rossii):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Anser
- Species: A. rossii
The Ross’s Goose is a small white goose with a short neck and black wing tips. It’s often mistaken for a young Snow Goose but is smaller. These geese live mainly in the Arctic and migrate south to places like California during the winter.
They feed on grasses, grains, and occasionally berries. Ross’s Goose nests on the ground, usually in colonies. Each breeding season, they lay about 3 to 5 eggs. The average lifespan of Ross’s Goose in the wild is about 10 to 15 years.
- Length: 24.5-33.5 in (62-85 cm)
- Weight: 2.5-4.5 lb (1,134-2,041 g)
- Wingspan: 44-54 in (112-137 cm)
3. Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Anser
- Species: A. caerulescens
The Snow Goose is easily recognized by its pure white feathers and black wingtips. Some have a grey-blue color, known as the “blue morph.” These geese breed in the Arctic and migrate in large flocks to the U.S. and Mexico for winter.
Their diet mainly consists of roots, tubers, and young shoots of plants. Snow Geese nest on the ground in colonies, often on islands in remote areas. They typically lay 3 to 5 eggs annually. The lifespan of a Snow Goose can reach up to 20 years in the wild.
- Length: 25.2″-33.1″ (64-84 cm)
- Weight: 4.4-7.1 lb (2-3.2 kg)
- Wingspan: 53″-65″ (135-165 cm)
4.Canada Goose (Branta canadensis):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Branta
- Species: B. canadensis
The Canada Goose is known for its large size, black head, and white chinstrap mark on its neck. These geese are found across North America in lakes, ponds, and rivers.They eat grass, aquatic plants, and grains.
Canada Geese nest on the ground, often near water, where they build large nests from sticks and grass. They usually lay 4 to 7 eggs each spring. The lifespan of a Canada Goose in the wild typically ranges from 10 to 24 years, making them a familiar and enduring sight in their habitats.
- Length: 29.9-43.3 in (76-110 cm)
- Weight: 105.8-317.5 oz (3000-9000 g)
- Wingspan: 50.0-66.9 in (127-170 cm)
5. Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Anser
- Species: A. albifrons
The Greater White-fronted Goose stands out with its brown body and white patch at the front of its face. It migrates across North America, Europe, and Asia.This goose feeds on grasses, roots, and grains.
They build their nests on the ground in open areas, using plant material to form a simple structure. Each year, they lay about 4 to 6 eggs.The lifespan of the Greater White-fronted Goose in the wild is typically around 15 to 20 years, making it a resilient and widespread member of the waterfowl community.
- Length: 25.2-31.9 in (64-81 cm)
- Weight: 68.8-116.8 oz (1,951-3,311 g)
- Wingspan: Around 53.1 in (135 cm)
6.Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Anser
- Species: A. cygnoides
The Swan Goose has a long neck and a distinctive black knob at the base of its bill. Mostly found in Mongolia and Northern China, it prefers freshwater lakes and rivers.Their diet consists mainly of water plants and grains.
Swan Geese nest on the ground near water, laying 5 to 8 eggs each breeding season. They build their nests from reeds and other plant materials, which helps camouflage them. The lifespan of the Swan Goose in the wild can be up to 20 years, although many live shorter lives due to habitat changes and hunting pressures.
- Length: 32-37 in (81-94 cm)
- Weight: 6.2-7.7 lb (2.8-3.5 kg)
- Wingspan: 63-73 in (160-185 cm)
Read also: 22 Cutest Sparrows found in Louisiana
7. Greylag Goose (Anser anser):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Anser
- Species: A. anser
The Greylag Goose is recognized by its large size and grey plumage with a pinkish-orange bill. This goose is common in Europe and parts of Asia.It feeds on grasses, roots, and aquatic plants. Greylags nest on the ground, often in marshes or islands, where they use vegetation to construct their nests.
They typically lay about 4 to 6 eggs each season. The lifespan of the Greylag Goose can vary, but many live up to 20 to 25 years in the wild, depending on environmental conditions and protection from predators.
- Length: 29-36 in (74-91 cm)
- Weight: 6.6-8.4 lb (3-3.8 kg)
- Wingspan: 74-91 in (189-231 cm)
8. Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Cygnus
- Species: C. columbianus.
The Tundra Swan is a graceful bird with pure white feathers and a long neck. They are found in the Arctic tundra during summer and migrate to coastal areas in winter.Their diet consists mostly of aquatic vegetation and small fish.
Tundra Swans build their nests on the ground near water bodies, using vegetation to insulate the nest. They usually lay about 3 to 5 eggs each breeding season. The lifespan of a Tundra Swan can reach up to 20 years in the wild, where they are admired for their beauty and elegance.
- Length: 47-58 in (120-147 cm)
- Weight: 14.4 lbs (6.5 kg)
- Wingspan: 66 in (168 cm)
9.Mute Swan (Cygnus olor):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Cygnus
- Species: C. olor
The Mute Swan is known for its elegant appearance, with a long, curved neck and entirely white feathers. Notable is its orange bill with a black base.These swans are common in parks and lakes, often seen gliding gracefully across the water.
They primarily eat aquatic plants, occasionally dipping their heads underwater to feed.Mute Swans nest close to water, building large nests where they lay about 5 to 7 eggs each year. Their lifespan in the wild is typically around 15 to 20 years, making them a longstanding feature of their habitats.
- Length: 140-160 in (355-406 cm)
- Weight: 23.4-51 lb (10.6-23.1 kg)
- Wingspan: 79-94 in (201-240 cm)
The key differences between swans and geese:
| Feature | Swan | Goose |
| Size | Larger, with longer necks and bigger bodies | Smaller than swans, with shorter necks |
| Color | Usually white or black | More varied, including grey, white, black |
| Bill | Longer and straighter | Shorter, often with a noticeable ‘bump’ |
| Behavior | More solitary or in pairs | Often found in larger flocks |
| Habitat | Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas | Various, including marshes, fields, lakes |
| Nesting | On the ground near water | On the ground, often in more concealed spots |
| Egg Count | Generally fewer, around 3-7 | More, usually 4-8 |
| Lifespan | Longer, up to 20-30 years | Shorter, usually up to 10-24 years |
Conservation Status in Louisiana:
In Louisiana, many species of geese and swans are protected under local and national laws. The Mute Swan and Tundra Swan are often safeguarded to preserve their habitats. Canada Geese are common and not endangered, but conservation efforts focus on maintaining their natural environments.
The Snow Goose benefits from regulated hunting to control its population. Efforts in Louisiana include habitat restoration and protection, ensuring these beautiful birds continue to thrive in the state.
Viewing Opportunities and Birdwatching Tips in Louisiana:
The best time to see geese and swans in Louisiana is during the migration seasons, in late fall and early spring. Prime locations include the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Pontchartrain. For those interested in more species, explore 14 wonderful Ducks found in Louisiana in similar habitats.
Ethical birdwatching tips: Use binoculars to keep a safe distance, stay quiet, and never feed the birds. When photographing, use natural light and avoid disrupting their natural behaviors.
FAQs:
Q: What is the most common bird in Louisiana?
Ans: The most common bird in Louisiana is the Northern Cardinal.
Q: Where are swan geese found?
Ans: Swan Geese are primarily found in Mongolia and northern China, migrating to warmer areas during the winter.
Q: What is the capital bird of Louisiana?
Ans: Louisiana does not have a designated “capital bird,” but the state bird is the Brown Pelican.
Q: What is the state bird of Louisiana and why?
Ans: The state bird of Louisiana is the Brown Pelican, chosen because it is native to the state and symbolizes Louisiana’s wildlife and natural beauty.
Q: What is the most common animal in Louisiana?
Ans: The most common wild animal in Louisiana is the White-tailed Deer.
Q: What are 5 interesting facts about Louisiana?
- Louisiana is the only state with parishes instead of counties.
- It is home to the largest swamp in the U.S., the Atchafalaya.
- The state is known as the birthplace of jazz.
- Mardi Gras is a major festival celebrated extensively here.
- Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is one of the longest continuous bridges over water in the world.
Conclusion:
Holding Louisiana’s magnificent birds, like geese and swans, is crucial for maintaining our natural heritage. Get involved in local conservation efforts and bird watching clubs to help protect these beautiful creatures for future generations to enjoy.
