Neil K. Dawe1 and Andrew C. Stewart2
1438 Temple Street, Parksville, B.C. V9P 1A3; e-mail: nkdawe@shaw.ca
23932 Telegraph Bay Road, Victoria, B.C. V8N 4H7
Abstract: We speculate on the occurrence and distribution of the native Canada Goose on Vancouver Island before the arrival of the first Europeans and discuss the current taxonomy and status of native Canada Goose subspecies that breed, migrate through, or winter on the island. We also document Canada Goose introductions and consider the status of these exotic, ‘resident’ birds, their dispersal, and population growth. We conclude that before the introductions, the Canada Goose was only a rare breeding bird on the northern half of Vancouver Island.
Key words: Canada Goose, Branta canadensis, Vancouver Island, introductions, subspecies
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