Cackling Goose – Length 23-33 inches
While most North Americans will instantly recognize the widespread and common Canada Goose that is so often seen on city lakes or golf courses, far fewer know that there is a very similar species known as the Cackling Goose that was recently split from the Canada Goose. The Cackling Goose is much smaller than most races of Canada Geese, although there is some overlap in size.
Migration generally takes place at low altitudes, and survival rates from one year to the next are relatively high. The population has generally been increasing.
Cackling Goose has a smaller bill and rounder head than the Canadian.
The are four subspecies of Cackling Goose. Two show a white ring around the neck of the birds, at the base of the neck near the body.
Generally like a small Canada Goose. Dark head and neck with white chin strap. Small bill. Brown body, darker tail. Underparts darker or lighter, depending on the race.Calls reminiscent of Canada Goose, but higher pitched. Underside of tail white. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
This bird, perhaps the “Richardson’s” race has a white band on the neck and pale chest. Photograph © Tom Grey.
This Cackling Goose lacks the white neck band and is darker underneath than the bird in the above image. The tail shows a white “U” shape from above. Photograph © Tom Grey.
Cackling Goose on the left, Canada Goose on the right. The Cackling Goose has a smaller bill. The bill and head of the Canada Goose present a more sloped appearance.