DCHP-1 Online
barren goose Obs. 
a kind of large gray goose, Branta canadensis, with a black head and neck and white cheek patches.
See also: Canada goose
- 1785 (1916) [We saw] a very large species of gray goose--they have a deep, harsh note, and are called Gronkers, by others Barren Geese, from its being assumed that they never lay eggs.
- 1852 The natives observe, that, besides the old birds which rear young . . . there are a considerable number who do not breed, but keep in small bands, and are called "barren geese."
- 1785 (1916) [We saw] a very large species of gray goose--they have a deep, harsh note, and are called Gronkers, by others Barren Geese, from its being assumed that they never lay eggs.