About the Cackling Goose
The cackling goose is a species of goose found in North America and East Asia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The black head and neck with white "chinstrap" distinguish this goose from all other geese except the larger Canada goose (Branta canadensis) and the similarly sized barnacle goose (B. leucopsis). There are up to five subspecies of cackling goose of varying sizes and plumage details. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter and has a different voice. Some are hard to distinguish from the Canada goose, with which the cackling goose was long assumed to form one species, the cackling goose and the smaller Canada goose subspecies being called the lesser Canada goose.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Finland, France, Spain, Denmark.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Barnacle GooseBranta leucopsisThe barnacle goose is a medium-sized goose, 55–70 cm (22–28 in) long, with a wingspan of 120–145 cm (47–57 in) and a weight of 1.21–2.23 kg (2.7–4.9 lb), with black legs and a small, stubby black bill.
Brant GooseBranta berniclaThe brant is a small goose with a short, stubby bill.
NeneBranta sandvicensisThe nene is a large-sized goose at 41 cm (16 in) tall.
Side by side: Cackling Goose vs Canada Goose · Brant Goose vs Cackling Goose · Barnacle Goose vs Cackling Goose
Learn the Cackling Goose for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.