During which months do Canadian geese molt their flight feathers?

Canadian geese undergo a molting process that predominantly occurs from June through August. During this time, geese shed their old flight feathers and grow new ones, which is a critical phase for their development. The molting period usually lasts for about a month or so, and it typically peaks during the summer when the birds are less reliant on long-distance flight, allowing them to focus on the feather replacement process.

The timing is closely linked to their breeding cycle and migratory behaviors, as molting in late summer allows them to mature and regain their flight capabilities just in time for migration in the fall. Understanding the timing of this molt is essential for wildlife management and control practices, as it can impact activities like relocation or management of populations during this sensitive period.