Cackling Goose Photo Gallery

Adult (Aleutian)

Small and compact with a short neck, small bill, and steep forehead. Head and neck are black with a large white cheek patch. Some, including most adult Aleutian birds (subspecies leucopareia), have a white collar at the base of the black neck sock.

Adult (Richardson's)

Head shape ranges from rounded to boxy, but the small, triangular bill and short neck are constants. Also note the neatly barred upperparts.

Adult (Richardson's)

Small goose best identified by head shape: note short bill and fairly abrupt transition to steep forehead.

Adult (minima)

The smallest subspecies minima is tiny (roughly the size of a male Mallard) and shows a dark breast.

Adult

In flight shows a prominent white "U" on the dark uppertail, contrasting with the black tail. Otherwise mostly brown with black neck and head, with a white cheek.

Mixed-species flock

Compared to Canada Goose, note Cackling Goose's smaller size; shorter, stubbier bill; and steeper forehead.

Adult (Richardson's) (with Canada Goose)

Often flocks with Canada Goose (right). Note Cackling's shorter bill with more abrupt transition to steep forehead.

Adult (minima)

Often occurs in large flocks, and forages in grassy habitats. The smallest subspecies, minima, is notably dark-breasted.

Adult (Richardson's) (with Snow Goose)

Often flocks with other species of geese. In comparison to Snow Goose, smaller and shorter-billed.