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Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii
cackling goose

Named after their distinctive sounds, these water birds are widespread across North America.

Sam Crowe
Updated: March 22, 2023
Birds IDENTIFICATION

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.

The Cackling Goose is made up of four subspecies. 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.

 

Description of the Cackling Goose

BREEDING MALE

The Cackling Goose is mostly brownish with a black head and neck, a white cheek patch on each side of the face, and a black tail.   Lenght:  23″ – 32″

cackling goose

Female

Sexes similar.

Seasonal change in appearance

None.

Juvenile

Juveniles are similar to adults.

Habitat

Lakes, ponds, and grassy fields.

Diet

Plant material and some insects, mollusks, and fish.

cackling goose

Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Behavior

Forages by grazing.

Range

Breeds in northern portions of Canada and Alaska and winters primarily in parts of the western and south-central U.S.

Fun Facts

Cackling Geese were formerly considered to be subspecies of Canada Geese.

Vocalizations

The call is a honking that is higher pitched than that of Canada Geese.

 

Similar Species

Canada Goose
Canada Geese are larger, with longer necks and bills.

 

Nesting

The nest is a depression lined with grasses and sticks.

Number: 4-7.
Color: White.

Incubation and fledging:
– Young hatch at 25-28 days.
– Young fledge (leave the nest) in 1-2 days after hatching but remain with the adults for some time.

 

Bent Life History of the Cackling Goose

See the Canada Goose.  The Cackling Goose was formerly considered a race of the Canada goose.

About the Author

Sam Crowe
Sam is the founder of Birdzilla.com. He has been birding for over 30 years and has a world list of over 2000 species. He has served as treasurer of the Texas Ornithological Society, Sanctuary Chair of Dallas Audubon, Editor of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" web site and as a contributing editor for Birding Business magazine. Many of his photographs and videos can be found on the site.

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