Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Habitat Management for Migrating and Wintering
Canada Geese: A Moist-Soil Alternative
Jane E. Austin1, Dale D. Humburg2
and Leigh H. Fredrickson3
Abstract: We integrate information from unpublished studies
in Missouri to discuss the value of moist-soil habitat for migrating and wintering
Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Where available, geese used moist-soil
areas both for feeding and roosting in fall and spring. Foraging methods shifted
from surface feeding on vegetation and seeds in fall to increased digging
for roots and tubers in spring. Use of moist-soil areas seemed to be related
to their proximity to upland fields and timing of flooding relative to food
depletion in uplands. Native seeds provided valuable protein and amino acids
to the diet and complemented traditional high-energy foods such as corn and
milo. Leaves, stems, roots, and tubers were important in the diet of geese
in southern Missouri. A combination of moist-soil and row crop management
practices would ensure production and availability of food over a range of
environmental conditions as well as enhance the diversity of foods and habitats
available to geese, ducks, and other wetland birds.
Key words: Branta canadensis, Canada geese, food
habits, habitat use, management, moist-soil.
This resource is based on the following source (Northern Prairie Publication
1059):
Austin, Jane E., Dale D. Humburg, and Leigh H. Fredrickson. 1998. Habitat
Management for Migrating and Wintering Canada Geese: A Moist-Soil
Alternative. Pages 291-297 in D.H. Rusch, M.D. Samuel, D.D. Humburg,
and B.D. Sullivan, eds. Biology and management of Canada geese. Proc.
Int. Canada Symp., Milwaukee, Wis.
This resource should be cited as:
Austin, Jane E., Dale D. Humburg, and Leigh H. Fredrickson. 1998. Habitat
Management for Migrating and Wintering Canada Geese: A Moist-Soil
Alternative. Pages 291-297 in D.H. Rusch, M.D. Samuel, D.D. Humburg,
and B.D. Sullivan, eds. Biology and management of Canada geese. Proc.
Int. Canada Symp., Milwaukee, Wis. Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie
Wildlife Research Center Online.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/cangeese/index.htm
(Version 8OCT99).
Table of Contents
1Gaylord Memorial Laboratory, The School of Natural Resources,
University of Missouri-Columbia, Puxico, MO 63960 (Present address: U.S. Geological
Survey, Biological Resources Division, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research
Center, 8711 37th Street SE, Jamestown, ND 58401)
2Missouri Department of Conservation, 1110 S. College Ave.,
Columbia, MO 65201
3Gaylord Memorial Laboratory, The School of Natural Resources,
University of Missouri Columbia, Puxico, MO 63960
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Geese: A Moist-Soil Alternative
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