There are larger subspecies that weigh about 9 pounds and smaller subspecies that only weigh 3 pounds. Goslings, or baby Canada Geese, are yellow with some greenish-gray colorings on the top of the head and back. As with the adult color pattern, there are some variation among the different subspecies. The darker subspecies goslings have a brownish olive or blunt yellow coloring while those of lighter subspecies are lighter and brighter in color. These colors fade as the gosling grows into the adult color pattern.
All goslings have black or blue-gray bills and legs and become darker as juveniles and adults.
When on land, Branta canadensis eat a variety of grasses including Bermuda grass, salt grass and wild barley. Geese are able to grab a hold of each blade and pull it out with their bills by jerking their heads. They also eat wheat, beans, rice, and corn. In the water, the birds stick their head and upper part of their body into the water leaving their tail and back end extending in the air. They stretch their neck out, under the water, and slide their bills across the bottom silt.