Geese are a familiar group of waterfowl belonging to the family Anatidae, alongside ducks and swans. These birds are known for their strong social bonds, often congregating in large groups around wetlands, parks, and farmlands. Characterized by their long necks, webbed feet, and distinct honking calls, geese have a notable presence in many ecosystems. Understanding the terminology used to distinguish them by sex and age offers a clearer appreciation for their social structure and life cycle.
Names Based on Sex
The specific term used for an adult male goose is a gander. The adult female is most commonly referred to simply as a goose, though “hen” is occasionally used, particularly in domestic contexts. Distinguishing a gander from a goose by appearance alone can be difficult, as most species do not display the obvious feather differences, or sexual dimorphism, seen in many other birds.
Subtle physical and behavioral differences often help differentiate the sexes. Ganders are typically larger and heavier than females, sometimes by as much as 10 to 15%, and may have a slightly thicker neck and a more robust head. The most reliable distinction is in their behavior, especially during the breeding season. The gander is the primary protector of the pair and the nest, often displaying aggressive and territorial posturing.
Vocalizations can also provide a subtle clue. The gander generally has a lower-pitched, more resonant call compared to the female’s higher-pitched honk. This difference is most pronounced when the birds are communicating alarm or during courtship displays. The term “gander” is also famously part of the proverb, “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
Defining the Young and the Goose Family Unit
The term for a young goose, from hatching until it is fully grown, is a gosling. These young birds are precocial, meaning they are covered in downy feathers and are able to walk, swim, and feed themselves almost immediately after hatching. Goslings instinctively follow their parents, a behavior known as imprinting, which is crucial for learning survival skills and staying safe from predators.
Geese form strong, lifelong pair bonds, and both the gander and the goose participate in raising the young. The goose incubates the eggs, while the gander remains close by, guarding the nest. After hatching, the entire family unit travels together, with the parents actively defending their brood. Goslings typically remain with their parents until the following spring, sometimes joining large groups of young known as “gang broods.”
Collective Nouns for Geese
Beyond the terms for individual birds, geese also have specific collective nouns that depend on their location. The most widely known term for a group of geese on the ground or on the water is a gaggle. This name may have originated because a large gathering of geese is often noisy and can appear disorderly.
When the group takes flight, the collective noun changes to reflect their characteristic formation. A group of flying geese is most often called a skein, inspired by their strung-out formation resembling a length of yarn. Alternatively, when they fly in their distinctive V-formation, the group can be called a wedge or a team.