Hawaiian Goose Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesHawaiian Goose
A medium-sized goose with a small head, short bill, and long legs. Upperparts are dark brown, with extensive white feather edging. Underparts are light brown with some dark barring. The head is mostly black, with a large cream-colored cheek patch; and the neck is whitish with deeply furrowed feathers.
© Steven Mlodinow / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, July 30, 2015Young goslings are downy, but attain adult plumage in five months, faster than other goose species.
© Nicholas Sly / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, March 21, 2012A medium-sized goose with a distinctive cream-colored cheek patch leading to a whitish neck with deep grooves.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, January 23, 2014Not all videos have sound
Uses freshwater when available but does not require aquatic habitats like most other waterfowl do.
© Lorrie Anderson / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, February 10, 2018Highly terrestrial, with several adaptations (erect posture, long legs and toes, reduced webbing) for life on islands with limited freshwater.
© Noah Frade / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, June 19, 2017Forages on lava flows with limited vegetation, as well as grassy shrublands, pastures, and golf courses.
© Josep del Hoyo / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, March 29, 2013Not all videos have sound
Remains close together in family groups, but generally does not form large flocks like many other goose species.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, January 23, 2014Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesCackling Goose
Cackling Goose is an uncommon but regular visitor to Hawaii. It is darker overall than Hawaiian Goose, with a brown breast and belly and brown upperparts with limited pale feather fringes. Cackling Goose’s black neck and head are interrupted only by a white cheek and chin patch.
© Sharif Uddin / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, December 03, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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