Cackling Geese

Derb Carter photographed these Cackling Geese on November 27, 2004 at Mattamuskeet NWR.

Derb comments:

These are four photos of the five Cackling Geese observed by Keith Camburn, Ricky Davis and me at Mattamuskeet NWR on November 27. The photos were taken with a digital camera through a scope. The much smaller size in comparison to the Canada Geese (not much larger than a Mallard -- see photos), short neck, rounded head with steep forehead, and very small bill identify the Cackling Geese. Our impression in the field confirmed by later research is that the five Cackling Geese appear to be the subspecies minima instead of the more to be expected hutchinsii (Richardson's) subspecies. The overall dark brown body coloration (particularly the breast which is the same color as the flanks and sides) and very small bill seem to fit minima subspecies of Cackling Goose. Minima also has a very distinctive high pitched call (hence the name) that was heard by Keith when he first located the birds. The other dark subspecies of Cackling is leucopareia (Aleutian) which usually has a distinct white collar between the black neck stocking and breast. One of the five geese we observed had a very narrow white collar, which is sometimes present in minima. Minima breeds in coastal western Alaska and winters mostly from northern California through Oregon to Washington. The closest Cackling population to the Carolinas is hutchinsii or Richardson's which breeds on northern Hudson Bay in Canada and winters on the Texas coast migrating through the so-called Central Flyway. Richardson's Cackling Goose is slightly larger than minima but is described as having more of a silvery gray back and pale breast. The best (although incomplete) treatment of the various Canada and Cackling Geese subspecies is in the Sibley guide.

Now that the AOU and ABA have “split” Canada Goose into two species (Canada and Cackling) I expect there will be more interest in searching for Cackling Geese amongst the goose flocks. It will be interesting to see how frequently and in what numbers Cackling Goose occurs in the Carolinas. It was certainly unexpected to find what appear to be minima subspecies in North Carolina. We plan to get the photos reviewed by experts more familiar with the subspecies and will report the conclusions. I hope having the photos posted on the CBC website will assist others searching for Cacklers.

Derb Carter

Also see Identification of Canada and Cackling Geese -- webeditor

Since the AOU recently elevated the Cackling Goose to full species status, separate from Canada Goose, more attention has been focused on it and it is likely that there will soon be many records from the Carolinas. But because there are few existing records, this sighting will be reviewed by the NC Bird Records Committee, and all sightings in the Carolinas should be reported to the appropriate state's Bird Records Committee (using the online report form or printed form).