These races include the tiny Richardson's goose which weighs about three pounds, the lesser Canada at five to six pounds, the interior Canada at seven to nine pounds and the giant Canada which may weigh over 15 pounds. Despite size differences, all Canada geese are similar in appearance. Body color of the subspecies varies from light to dark brown. In all races, the head, neck, bill, tail and feet are black and there are prominant white patches on the cheeks and a crescent-shaped white area on the rump. This white crescent is easily observed when the birds are in molt or in flight.
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.