Kids, Don't Try This at Home ...

[wolf]

Today as I was coming into work I spent some time communing with a large gaggle of geese grazing on the field in front of the building. I began wondering if there was a way to determine sex based on plumage.

I found out.

How can I tell the difference between male and female Canada geese?

Unlike many species of birds, the gender of Canada geese can not be determined visually. The only exception is when dealing with a mated pair - most easily discerned during nesting season. The larger bird is usually the gander (male). In a nesting situation, the female will be sitting on the nest.

In the absence of these clues, absolute gender determination requires getting rather personal, specifically, inserting one's finger into their cloacal vent to detect the presence (male), or absence, of protruding reproductive organs (something that should NOT be attempted without proper training or experience).