Branta geese always have black bills, which are softer than those of the anser geese and without serrations. Belonging to this group are the species Barnacle, Brant, Canada, Nene or Hawaiian and Red-Breasted.

The natural predators of geese are foxes, owls, raccoons and snapping turtles. When geese are scared or threatened, they will stretch out their necks and honk loudly. Male geese are very protective of their female partner and will often stand between her and a perceived threat.