What is the difference between a duck and a goose: external signs and how they look on the counter

Waterfowl have long lived alongside humans. Geese and ducks bring fluff and tasty meat to the owner, breed successfully and are considered unpretentious species. Despite the similarities, these birds are completely different. It is important for a farmer to know how a domestic duck differs from a goose, to be able to identify them in any form. It is worth studying the characteristics of each species and understanding which of the birds deserves more attention in the end.

Description of the goose

Adult birds are very easy to tell apart. The goose is much larger than its companion and reaches a weight of 4.5 kg. He is taller and taller, males grow up to 90 cm.The wingspan exceeds 170 cm. The length of the body sometimes reaches a meter. The long neck gives the bird a noble appearance, but prevents it from fully diving. In addition, the geese walk, holding the body straighter, their steps are wider and more imposing, but firmer than those of a duck. Strong paws are located in the center of the body. The spurs are small, the fingers are also short, framed by dense membranes. The bird perfectly keeps stability, can quickly run and swim. Pronounced sexual dimorphism.

The beak and paws are bright orange. Over time, a leathery-bone tubercle appears on the beak of the gander. Sharp notches along the edges of the beak allow the bird to easily uproot grass and find food in the water.

Geese come in three colors: white, gray and grey-brown. The largest are white and gray-brown.

These birds live in separate families: gander, goose and grown offspring. Geese can hardly be called quiet, they like to make some noise. The characteristic cackle of birds is difficult to confuse with something. And to protect themselves from danger, they hiss, although they can even rush at the enemy.

Duck appearance

Ducks are almost 2 times smaller than their feathered counterparts. The weight of hybrids - mulards, Beijing - does not exceed 3.5 kg, and the weight of wild individuals barely reaches 2 kg at all. The body length of domestic individuals often remains at around 50 cm.

The webbed feet of ducks are located at the back of the body. They are short and clumsy, more adapted for swimming than walking. The steps of the bird look awkward, it rolls over from side to side, and with a sharp acceleration it can fall on the breast. Paws and beak, regardless of color, are always yellow or orange.

The neck of the duck is short, and the body is designed so that the bird dives easily at an angle of 90 degrees. Color varies. Drakes are feathered brighter on the wings and neck. Females are painted in brown, brown, white, gray tones. Birds make a variety of sounds, from quacks to clicks and cackles.

What is the difference between a duck and a goose

With external similarity, in fact, these birds have a lot of differences:

1. Geese have a pointed beak, while ducks have a flat and wide beak.
2. Geese are better suited for flying, ducks for swimming.
3. Geese cackle, ducks prefer to quack.
4. The nutrition of birds is also different: geese are not averse to snacking on cereals, seeds, fruits and berries, herbs and insects. Ducks, on the other hand, consume mainly grain, aquatic plants and aquatic animals: small fish, swimming beetles, tadpoles.
5. Geese are cleaner.
6. Gander and goose raise offspring together and form a stable couple for several years. The female lays up to 12 eggs. Both parents train the young, the male takes care of the girlfriend during incubation. Ducks stay together for only one season. The drake is not interested in the brood after hatching.

How to spot the birds on the counter

Some farmers and housewives get lost when buying poultry in the market. What is better, tastier, he althier and more profitable to buy - a goose or a duck? Duck meat is firm and dense, dark red in color, has a slight sweet smell, rich in B vitamins and Omega-3 acids. The only negative is the high percentage of fat. To reduce its quantity, when cooking, the duck is stuffed with prunes or vegetables.

Duck carcass expands to the bottom, slightly flattened in the back, wings and neck without pronounced length, skin with a yellowish tinge, thin. Paws look back. A young duck has white fat, an old duck has yellow fat. The most useful and tasty individuals aged from 6 to 12 months. They are easy to identify not only by the color of fat, but also by soft paws without engorgement, light and clean beak.

Goose meat is sweetish, tart, dark in color. Enriched with minerals & amino acids. Helps to raise the level of hemoglobin, is indicated for anemia. It also helps in the work of the stomach and prevents the formation of oncology.

The goose is larger than the duck, its carcass is oblong. The neck is long, and the vertebrae on it are larger. The legs and wings are large relative to the size of the body. There is a specific meaty smell. The skin is thick, dense, elastic, pink or yellowish, rough to the touch. Paws stick up or slightly to the sides. The larger the carcass, the better. The meat of mature individuals is tastier, in young animals it is tough and dry. Old birds have cloudy fat, streaked with blood.

Geese are less popular with farmers due to the high cost of keeping them. Therefore, their meat is much more expensive. If you look at the gutted carcasses inside, then the duck will have more bones, and the goose will have fat.

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