Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)
(Bird: Anatidae)
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| ssp. hutchinsii adult in center: compare with the Canada goose (far left) and a probable ssp. tarverni cackling goose (left). 25th October, 2009. Emerald Hills, Sherwood park (Alberta-Canada). |
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Notes:
A diminutive Canada goose look-alike. Since the split from Canada goose the cackling goose has caused a massive slew of frustration for birders. However, the stubby bill and rather angular
head shape means this species is still relatively distinguishable, except in the case of hybrids. Care must be taken to distinguish the "lesser" (parvipes) subspecies of the Canada goose which is smaller than the standard Canada subspecies with a shorter bill, though never as short as cackling. The issue increases when dealing with the larger tarveni Cackling geese, which can be the same size as parvipes Canada.
Confusingly, the minima subspecies of the cackling goose is also referred to as "lesser Canada" by some authorities.
Long taken in captivity with Canada geese in the past, this species intermittently appears with introduced Canada geese in Europe. It would be virtually impossible to claim a natural vagrant in Europe, as 99% of cackling geese are derived from captive birds or released.
A diminutive Canada goose look-alike. Since the split from Canada goose the cackling goose has caused a massive slew of frustration for birders. However, the stubby bill and rather angular
head shape means this species is still relatively distinguishable, except in the case of hybrids. Care must be taken to distinguish the "lesser" (parvipes) subspecies of the Canada goose which is smaller than the standard Canada subspecies with a shorter bill, though never as short as cackling. The issue increases when dealing with the larger tarveni Cackling geese, which can be the same size as parvipes Canada.
Confusingly, the minima subspecies of the cackling goose is also referred to as "lesser Canada" by some authorities.
Long taken in captivity with Canada geese in the past, this species intermittently appears with introduced Canada geese in Europe. It would be virtually impossible to claim a natural vagrant in Europe, as 99% of cackling geese are derived from captive birds or released.
head shape means this species is still relatively distinguishable, except in the case of hybrids. Care must be taken to distinguish the "lesser" (parvipes) subspecies of the Canada goose which is smaller than the standard Canada subspecies with a shorter bill, though never as short as cackling. The issue increases when dealing with the larger tarveni Cackling geese, which can be the same size as parvipes Canada.
Confusingly, the minima subspecies of the cackling goose is also referred to as "lesser Canada" by some authorities.
Long taken in captivity with Canada geese in the past, this species intermittently appears with introduced Canada geese in Europe. It would be virtually impossible to claim a natural vagrant in Europe, as 99% of cackling geese are derived from captive birds or released.
I have seen this species in:
- America (Canada)
The first time I recorded this species:
25th October, 2007 at a lake in pre-developed Emerald Hills, Sherwood Park (Alberta-Canada).
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