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Cackling Goose

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

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The Cackling Goose is a small, black-necked goose with a white chinstrap, long treated as part of the Canada Goose but split as a separate species in 2004. It breeds on the Arctic tundra of Alaska and northern Canada and winters across much of the United States, occasionally straying to Europe and East Asia. Several subspecies vary from very small, compact birds to larger forms that overlap with small Canada Geese.

Did you know?

  • It was recognised as distinct from the Canada Goose only in 2004.
  • The tiniest subspecies, minima, is much smaller than any Canada Goose.

About the species

Identification

Clearly smaller and more compact than Canada Goose, with a short neck and legs. The head is rather square, with a steep forehead and short bill. There is often a pale band where the black neck meets the pale brown breast; the upperparts are pale brownish grey. It is roughly the size of a Barnacle Goose, and its voice is higher-pitched than a Canada Goose's.

Family

Anatidae

Size

Very large (swan)

Colours

brown, black, white

About the habitat

Breeds on Arctic and subarctic tundra near ponds, lakes and coastal wetlands; outside the breeding season marshes, estuaries, shores and farmland.

Diet

Mainly grasses, sedges and aquatic vegetation taken by grazing or up-ending; also spilled grain in fields and occasionally small invertebrates.

Behaviour

Highly migratory, travelling in noisy flocks, often with other geese, and keeping contact with high, cackling calls. Flight is fast with snappy wingbeats. Pairs form long-term bonds, nest on the ground near water and defend the site aggressively; families move with one parent leading the goslings and the other at the rear.

Sources

Photo: Paul Danese, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20260426 cackling goose ford lake PD07933.jpg

Text: Wikipedia (English) + GBIF regional observations + Wikipedia (Finnish), CC BY-SA 4.0; GBIF occurrence data; Wikipedia: CC BY-SA 4.0 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cackling_goose

See also