Some races have a more or less complete white ring at the base of the black neck. Canada geese are long-lived and generally mate for life. If one member of the pair is killed, the survivor will usually select a new mate. Giant Canadas can live from 20 to 30 years and have been known to successfully reproduce at 20 years of age. Females do not breed until they are least two years old and many may not nest until the age of three or four.
Family ties are very strong.
Parents attend to the young for nearly a year. Families remain intact throughout the winter until they return to the breeding grounds. Once weather moderates on the breeding grounds and nesting sites become available, the birds rapidly disperse to establish their nesting territories. Because Canada geese may initiate nesting activity as early as the first of April, it is important to have nesting structures ready by that time. Properly maintained nesting structures, being free of snow cover, are especially attractive to early nesters.