Smaller cousin of Canada Goose, splits in 2004. Looks nearly identical but smaller body, shorter neck, and higher-pitched honk.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The cackling goose is a species of goose found in North America and East Asia.
Source: Wikipedia — Cackling goose Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Looks like a miniature Canada Goose — white cheek patch, black neck — but with a stubby, almost triangular bill, rounder head, and shorter neck.
Similar species. Canada Goose is larger with a longer bill and neck; size and the short, stubby bill are the best marks where they mix.
Voice. A higher-pitched, yelping 'yelk' or squeaky cackle, distinct from the deeper Canada Goose honk.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Aquatic plants, grasses, grain.
Behavior. A small goose of tundra breeding grounds, recently split from Canada Goose; migrates and winters in large flocks, often mixed with Canada Geese.
§ Range
Arctic; winters in US
§ Habitat
Tundra in summer; varied wintering habitats
§ Threats
Hunting pressure, climate change in Arctic.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the cackling goose is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support careful waterfowl management. Reduce climate impacts on Arctic breeding.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Cackling goose
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Branta hutchinsii
- IUCN Red List — search for Branta hutchinsii
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Branta hutchinsii
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
