Canada geese ( Branta canadensis) nesting on elevated structures in urban Indiana, USA

Abstract

The Canada goose ( Branta canadensis) population has radically changed over the past 60 years—from once being extirpated in the state of Indiana to the current level of approximately 113,000. High urban densities have resulted in persistent human–wildlife conflicts and novel interactions between geese and their physical environment. Canada geese typically choose nest sites that are on the ground or slightly elevated sites such as muskrat lodge, but we report observations of Canada geese nesting on rooftops 2.6–12.2 m above ground level in central Indiana. These observations suggest that alternative, unpredicted nesting sites are being chosen over more traditional sites, in a likely attempt to reduce risks of disturbance and predation. This atypical nest‐site selection may pose new management challenges, but further research is needed.

Abstract

High urban densities of Canada geese have resulted in novel interactions between geese and their physical environment. It is understood that Canada geese choose nest sites that are on the ground or slightly elevated sites such as muskrat mounds. We report our observations of Canada geese nesting on rooftops ranging from 2.6–12.2 m above ground level in urban habitats in central Indiana.