Each bird doesn't fly directly behind the others, but off to an angle. They migrate at a slow pace, stopping along the way. Because of this pace, they arrive at the breeding grounds in good physical shape. Most geese mate for life. They form pairs during migration or on wintering grounds.
Males fight over females with their wings and bills.
The winner approaches the female with his head down and neck undulating. He makes hissing and honking noises. The pairs mate either before or after they have found a nesting location. Mating, occurs in the spring on the water. The female is usually partially submerged or completed submerged while copulation takes place.