Watercolor portrait of Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis
Migratory in northern parts of range, wi… Highly adaptable to various habitats inc… Common Resident Honking Call

Learn to identify the Canada Goose by ear. Master the "honk-honk-honk" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“honk-honk-honk”

What the Canada Goose sounds like

The Canada Goose is a large, distinctive waterbird with a black head and neck, white chinstrap, light tan to cream breast, and brownish-gray back. These adaptable birds are known for their V-shaped flight formations and honking calls. Once nearly extinct, they have rebounded dramatically and are now common across North America, sometimes considered a nuisance in urban areas.

“honk-honk-honk”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:The familiar deep, resonant honking call, often given in a series. Males have a lower-pitched honk while females produce a higher-pitched 'hrink' sound. Used during flight, to maintain contact, and to signal alarm or aggression. Often written as “honk-honk-honk”.
Don't confuse with:The Cackling Goose — significantly smaller size with a shorter neck

Lessons featuring the Canada Goose

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Canada Goose's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Park Ponds lesson habitat
Park Ponds
Tier 4 · Water & Coast
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Where you'll hear it

Highly adaptable to various habitats including lakes, ponds, bays, marshes, fields, and increasingly in urban and suburban parks and golf courses. Nests near water, but feeds in open grassy areas. Native to North America but introduced to parts of Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and South America.

Most active during daylight hours. Migratory populations breed in northern regions during summer and fly south for winter. Form large flocks outside of breeding season. Molt their flight feathers in summer, becoming temporarily flightless.

Similar species

Cackling Goose

Significantly smaller size with a shorter neck

Greater White-fronted Goose

Lacks black neck and head; instead has brownish plumage

Canada Goose sound FAQ

What does a Canada Goose sound like?
The familiar deep, resonant honking call, often given in a series. Males have a lower-pitched honk while females produce a higher-pitched 'hrink' sound. Used during flight, to maintain contact, and to signal alarm or aggression. Listen for the "honk-honk-honk" phrase.
How do I tell a Canada Goose from a Cackling Goose by sound?
Cackling Goose: Significantly smaller size with a shorter neck; Stubbier bill and steeper forehead; Higher-pitched call; Was formerly considered a subspecies of Canada Goose.
When is the best time to hear a Canada Goose?
Most active during daylight hours. Migratory populations breed in northern regions during summer and fly south for winter. Form large flocks outside of breeding season. Molt their flight feathers in summer, becoming temporarily flightless.