Cackling or Canada Goose? (1 Viewer)

[sirijay]

I took this photo near Oakland CA yesterday. There was a large flock of geese, some of whom were clearly Canada and some more like the bird in this photo - my impression was that this bird was smaller, had a short neck, larger white patch on face and a smaller beak. I believe it is a Cackling Goose, because I had a reasonable view of both species together - but wanted to confirm. Thanks for your help.

 

[D Halas]

This is a small Canada Goose. A Cackling Goose would have a stubbier bill, and a rounder head with a more prominent forehead.

 

[aeshna5]

Agree Canada not Cackling Goose.

 

[Deb Burhinus]

Definitely a Greater Canada Goose, if there was a very noticeable size difference then possibly a Lesser Canada Branta canadensis parvipes which afaik winter in CA/Mexico and have relatively large cheek patches. If not a Lesser, possibly moffitti which I think would be the resident Canada Goose for CA. To be honest, it is hard enough to identify any down to sub-species other than most extreme examples, let alone from an image of a single bird but range and separating Cackling from Canadas is a good start which can be done just on the bill size in this image.

Lesser https://www.birdguides.com/species-guide/ioc/branta-canadensis-parvipes/


As a field note - when it comes to identifying sub-species of Canada or Cackling: It is difficult to tell size without a comparison image and there is often overlap between sub-species - there is also slight sexual dimorphism in size with females being smaller than male - also long necked birds have a habit of looking thick and short necked when relaxed!

 

[KC Foggin]

Yup! Canada Goose! A great close up btw!

 

[sirijay]

Thanks - I was just hoping !!!

 

[Microtus]

sirijay, I understand! It is definitely a Canada Goose though.

 

[njlarsen]

Thanks - I was just hoping !!!

you probably know this already: https://www.sibleyguides.com/2007/07/identification-of-cackling-and-canada-goose/

Niels

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, just wanted to remind you that per the forum rules you need to pit the location in the thread title. Thanks.