Many people have seen the Canadian Goose, but few actually know its complete classification.

Where do they fit in?
Domain - Eukarya
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Subphylum - Vertebrata
Class - Aves
Order - Anseriformes
Family - Anatidae
Genus - Branta
Species - Branta canadensis

What does all of this mean?
Branta canadensis, or the Canadian goose, belongs to: Domain Eukarya possesses a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Kingdom Animalia includes multicellular heterotrophs without cell walls.
Phylum Chordata possesses in its lifetime a notochord, dorsal, tubular nerve cord, pharyngeal pouches, endostyle, and a postanal tail. Many of these qualities aren't found during their adult life 
Subphlyum Vertebrata has a cranium and a vertebrae.  Class Aves have feathers modified for flight and active metabolism. They are endothermic.
Order Anseriformes are herbivores that inhabit aquatic environments. Incubation lasts from 22-47 days and the young are precocial.
Family Anatidae have chicks that are born with down and their eyes open and several days prior to their hatching, the young chicks start calling from inside the egg. They are also migratory. For more information about the family Anatidae, click here.
Genus Branta has black coloration. These birds have legs and feet that are black or very dark grey, and also black bills.

If you're interested in learning more about the phylogeny, click here.
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