The cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii) is a small goose in the genus Branta. Formerly considered a subspecies of the Canada goose (Branta canadensis), it was reclassified as a separate species in 2004. The cackling goose is native to North America and migrates annually along the Pacific Flyway.
Cackling geese are closely related to and often confused with Canada geese, especially the smaller subspecies of Canada goose called the lesser Canada goose (Branta canadensis parvipes). This has led to some uncertainty among birders over whether cackling geese should be considered a distinct species or a type of small Canada goose.
Quick Answers:
– Cackling geese were considered a subspecies of Canada geese until 2004 when they were reclassified as a separate species.
– Cackling geese are smaller than Canada geese with a shorter neck and stubbier bill.
– Cackling geese have a high-pitched cackling call compared to the deep honking of Canada geese.
– Cackling geese breed in northern Canada and Alaska while migrating along the Pacific Flyway.
– Lesser Canada geese are a subspecies of Canada goose that overlap in size with cackling geese, leading to identification challenges.
– While overlapping in size, cackling geese can be distinguished from lesser Canadas by differences in vocalizations, bill proportions, and breeding range.
Appearance and Size
Cackling geese are among the smallest geese in North America. They weigh 1.5-4.4 lbs with males averaging 3.1 lbs and females averaging 2.6 lbs. Their total length ranges from 22-28 inches.
By comparison, Canada geese are much larger with most subspecies weighing 7-14 lbs and measuring 28-48 inches long. The lesser Canada goose subspecies is an exception, weighing 3.9-6.8 lbs with a length of 28-34 inches.
This size overlap between the lesser Canada goose and cackling goose is one reason why differentiation can be difficult. However, cackling geese tend to be on the smaller end of the range while lesser Canadas are on the larger size.
Key Size Differences:
Goose | Weight | Length |
---|---|---|
Cackling | 1.5-4.4 lbs | 22-28 in |
Lesser Canada | 3.9-6.8 lbs | 28-34 in |
In addition to their small size, cackling geese have a relatively short neck and stubby bill compared to Canada geese. Their heads have a steep forehead and rounded crown.
Lesser Canada geese have a proportionally longer neck and longer, straighter bill than cackling geese. The head has a flatter crown than a cackling goose.
Plumage and Coloration
Cackling geese have similar plumage to Canada geese with black heads, necks, feet, tails, and white cheeks. Their breast and underparts are light gray. They have a dark brown to black collar around the base of their neck.
There are up to 6 recognized subspecies of cackling goose which vary somewhat in size and coloration:
- Aleutian (B. h. leucopareia) – Smallest subspecies with a very short stubby bill. Light breast.
- Taverner’s (B. h. taverneri) – Very dark breast band. Bill short and stubby.
- Richardson’s (B. h. hutchinsii) – Dark breast with no white collar. Bill short.
- Small (B. h. minima) – Light tan breast. White neck ring. Bill short.
- Alaska (B. h. leucopareia) – Lightly barred breast with white neck ring. Bill short.
- Dusky (B. h. occidentalis) – Dark brown overall with no collar. Longer bill.
The lesser Canada goose has similar black, gray, and white plumage. However, it lacks the cackling goose’s very short stubby bill in most subspecies. The lesser Canada’s breast is also darker than light-breasted cackling goose subspecies.
Vocalizations
The vocalizations of cackling and Canada geese are very different. This provides one of the most reliable methods for distinguishing them in the field.
Cackling geese produce high-pitched, rapid, staccato calls that sound like “ha-ha-ha” or “cack-cack-cack”. Their flocks make a cacophony of cackling sounds.
In contrast, Canada geese have much deeper, resonant honking calls. Their familiar “honk” is slower and more drawn out than the cackling goose’s chatter.
Lesser Canadas have a slightly higher pitch than larger subspecies but still produce deep resonant honks rather than cackles. Paying attention to the distinct vocalizations of flocks is key for identification.
Goose Call Comparison
Goose | Call Sound |
---|---|
Cackling | High-pitched, staccato cackles |
Canada | Low, drawn-out honks |
Range and Migration
Cackling and Canada geese have distinct breeding and migration ranges. Canada geese are found throughout much of North America while cackling geese breed predominantly in the far north.
Cackling geese nest above the tree line in the arctic and subarctic regions of Alaska and northern Canada. The different subspecies breed in specific regions:
- Aleutian – Aleutian Islands, Alaska
- Taverner’s – Alaska interior and Yukon
- Richardson’s – Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Manitoba
- Small – Central eastern Arctic islands
- Alaska – Alaska and western Yukon
- Dusky – Copper River Delta, Alaska
After nesting, cackling geese migrate south down the Pacific Flyway to winter along the west coast from British Columbia to California.
In comparison, lesser Canada geese nest at more southerly latitudes throughout the interior of Canada and Alaska. They migrate shorter distances than cackling geese, wintering in Washington, Oregon, and California within the Pacific Flyway. The differing breeding ranges and migration patterns help differentiate the two species.
Breeding and Wintering Range
Goose | Breeding Ground | Wintering Ground |
---|---|---|
Cackling | Far northern Canada and Alaska | West coast from BC to CA |
Lesser Canada | Interior Canada and Alaska | WA, OR, and CA |
Identification Tips
Telling a cackling goose apart from a lesser Canada goose can be tricky. Here are some identification tips:
- Listen for calls – cackling geese make rapid staccato cackles compared to Canada’s honks
- Look for small size – cackling geese average smaller than lesser Canadas
- Note bill length – cackling have very short, stubby bills
- Check neck length – cackling have proportionally shorter necks
- Assess breast color – cackling often have pale breasts
- Consider range – cackling found on Pacific Flyway in migration
The most reliable distinguishing feature is the distinct vocalizations between cackling and Canada geese. Where ranges overlap, use size, bill length, neck length, and breast color as additional clues. Proper identification may require seeing the birds up close or in flight.
History and Taxonomy
The taxonomic classification of cackling geese has been revised several times over the past century:
- Prior to 1907 – Considered a type of small Canada goose
- 1907 – Split into subspecies B.c. minima (Newnham 1907)
- 1931 – Further split into 3 subspecies (Dwight 1931)
- 1945 – Classified as subspecies under Canada goose (Delacour 1945)
- 2004 – Reclassified as distinct species B. hutchinsii (Banks et al. 2004)
The confusion stems largely from the overlap in size between the smallest Canada goose subspecies (B.c. parvipes) and cackling geese. Early taxonomists grouped them together under Canada goose.
More recently, analysis of morphology, genetics, and behavior led to recognition of cackling goose as a unique species most closely related to the barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis). However, the distinction from small Canada geese remains a challenge. Hybridization has also occurred between the two species where their breeding ranges overlap.
Taxonomic Timeline
Year | Classification |
---|---|
Pre-1907 | Type of small Canada goose |
1907 | Split as subspecies B.c. minima |
1931 | Split into 3 subspecies |
1945 | Canada goose subspecies |
2004 | Distinct species B. hutchinsii |
Conclusion
While the cackling goose was considered a small Canada goose subspecies for many decades, research now clearly separates it as a distinct species. The primary differences that distinguish cackling geese from lesser Canada geese include:
- Smaller size – Especially shorter neck and stubbier bill
- Cackling vocalizations
- Light breast coloration
- Breeding range restricted to northern Canada/Alaska
However, overlapping sizes and migratory ranges mean that identification can still be tricky in areas where they co-occur in winter. Looking for the cackling goose’s telltale short neck and listening for its namesake chatter provides the best clues. Proper identification may require seeing the geese up close or in flight.
While the taxonomy has been debated, the unique appearance, genetics, and behavior of cackling geese support their classification as a distinct species within the Branta genus of black geese. They may be small, but cackling geese are now considered goose pretenders no more.