American species introduced into Europe at start of 20th century, established breeding populations in Fennoscandia, W. Europe and UK. European population mainly recently split greater Canada goose, B. canadensis, locally also cackling goose B. Hutchinsii common. For historic reasons here treated simultaneously. Northern populations migratory, others dispersive. Breeds in wide diversity of habitats, frequently found in agricultural or urban areas, almost always near water. Diet stems, leaves, tubers and seeds of plants. Size of European population not known, likely exceeds 75.000 breeding pairs.