Although geese and ducks are both large flying birds, there is a fundamental difference between them. Canada geese can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh as much as 15 kg. While most Canadian geese have a distinctly male plumage, the sexually dimorphic Paradise Shelduck of New Zealand is strikingly similar to its female counterpart. Both types of ducks live in water and can be found in a variety of habitats.
Ducks are smaller than geese, which means they rarely reach the full lifespan. Consequently, ducklings rarely make it a full year, and are not capable of defending themselves from predators. Despite these differences, both ducks and geese are aggressive animals and fierce protectors of their babies. Geese also lay less eggs than ducks, but ducks lay eggs at least once a year.
Ducks have webbed feet, whereas geese have feathers that are more densely feathered. Also, geese have longer necks than ducks and have heavier bills and legs. While both ducks and geese are considered omnivores, they do share some traits. Their feathers help them to shed water, while their tails and legs enable them to swim and forage.
Both species are related to one another, but the differences are glaring. While ducks are more colorful than geese, their bodies are similar. Geese are larger, while ducks have longer necks and shorter bills. In addition to their appearances, geese and ducks also differ in their diets. While ducks eat mainly meat, geese feed primarily on land.
Although they are both domesticated and commonly bred, they are still very different animals. While ducks have more white-headed ducks, geese are more common in the wild and are more docile. Geese have a higher mortality rate than ducks. And because they are more social, they usually live in flocks of around a hundred or more birds.
When comparing the two species, you should consider their sizes. While ducks tend to have bright, colorful plumage, geese lack them altogether. Despite their similarities, there are some differences that make them distinct from one another. The two birds have different feeding habits and call each other by either quacking or honking. And while both types of ducks and geese have shorter bills, geese have larger necks and less bone structure.
