Why Do Geese Fly at NIGHT?

Why do geese fly at night? Geese only fly at night during migration. Typically, geese will nest during the night. You will only see geese flying at night as winter approaches. This blog post will explore why geese fly at night and how it benefits them. Stay tuned for more information!

*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclaimer for additional details.

Why Do Geese Fly at Night?

geese flying through trees — During migration, geese will fly at night when the air is cooler and there is less wind or air traffic.

Cooler Air

One reason is that it’s cooler at night, so they can conserve energy by passing in the cooler air. Flying during the day would require more energy than flying at night, so by flying at night, geese can conserve their energy and fly for longer distances. Not only does this help them to migrate over long distances, but it also helps them to avoid predators and find food. Read More: What Do Geese Eat? Here’s what geese typically eat in the wild and in captivity!

Taking Advantage of the Earth’s Natural Rotation

Flying at night allows geese to take advantage of the earth’s natural rotation. By flying east, they can harness the power of the winds and ride them across the country. As a result, less energy is expended during flight, and the journey is shorter and less stressful.

Less Air Traffic at Night

geese over water — Flying at night helps geese get to their migratory grounds quicker and reduces the change of collisions in the air with other birds.

Less traffic helps geese in many ways. It allows them to fly at a higher altitude, saving energy. In addition, less traffic means fewer distractions and a lower risk of collision. With so many birds flying during the day, there is a greater chance that some will collide with each other. By flying at night, geese avoid this risk and can focus on getting to their destination safely.

Helps to Avoid Predators

Geese have excellent night vision thanks to a high density of rods in their retinas. In addition, their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head, giving them a nearly 360-degree field of view. They also have an innate sense of direction that helps them find their way in the dark. Geese can take advantage of all these adaptations by flying at night to stay safe and avoid predators. Read our related article, Why Do Geese Honk When They Fly? Explore more about geese in flight here!

The Dangers of Flying at Night for Geese

geese above icy water — Flying at night is great for geese, but like everything, it can come with some dangers. Keep these dangers in mind as you see them traveling at nighttime.

Geese are migratory birds traveling long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. Every year, millions of geese take to the skies, flying in large flocks that span hundreds of miles. While geese are excellent flyers and can see in the dark, flying at night can be dangerous for geese in some circumstances. Weather conditions can be dangerous for nighttime flyers. Strong winds, fog, and bad weather can make it difficult for geese to stay aloft and may lead them to land prematurely. Here’s an educational video on geese by National Geographic:

Read our related article, Where Do Geese Go in the Winter? to learn more about goose migration.

FAQs

How Do I Know if a Goose is Injured While Flying?

If you see a wild goose flying at night, you may wonder if the bird is sick or injured. Several signs can help you determine if a goose is in jeopardy.

Sick or injured geese often fly lower than usual. If you see a goose flying unusually low to the ground, it may indicate something is wrong.
Another sign that a goose may be in trouble is if it is flying erratically. Sick or injured birds often have difficulty staying in formation and may veer off course.
If you see a goose struggling to keep up with the group of geese, it is also likely that the bird is not feeling well. Healthy geese can maintain a consistent pace when flying.

What Do I Do if I See a Goose Flying that Appears to Be in Distress?

If you see any of these signs, it’s best to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. Wild geese are susceptible to many diseases and injuries and require specialized care. By getting the bird the help it needs, you can give it a better chance of making a full recovery. Read More: Do Geese Lose Their Flock? Geese can lose their flock, and here’s why and what it can mean!

Final Thoughts

Geese love flying at night because it can be more energy efficient and faster than flying during the day. Believe it or not, geese aren’t the only ones taking advantage of this. We hope you enjoyed learning more about why geese like to fly at night!