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.
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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″
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.
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.
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.