30
Aug

Canada Geese and Cackling Geese – How to Tell These Species Apart

 

In this photo, the 3 Canada Geese are in the back (the top) of the photo and the 4 Cackling Geese are in the front (the bottom). But notice – their necks all look short. When Canada Geese are swimming or on land, their necks can be at their longest or shortest length – outstretched or retracted/pulled in. Each bird can position its neck however it wants – to suit whatever is going on or how the bird is feeling. Each Canada Goose has a several inch range as to length of neck and this all depends on how the bird is holding it. Cackling Geese have noticeably shorter necks and generally hold them in the same poisition – at the same length – regardless of what is going on. But you can see how much larger these Canada Geese are – and they were farther away from me when I took this photo. Just remember, Canada Geese have a good number of subspecies – some are large and some are smaller. The smaller subspecies will be closer in size to the Cackling Geese. Not confusing in the least right? And picture me grinning and shaking my head as I type!
In this photo, it is easier to see which geese are Canada Geese and which are Cackling Geese. The 2 in the upper left are Canada Geese – larger and they are holding their necks at closer to their full length so you can see an obvious difference between them and the 6 Cackling Geese in front. You can also see the difference in the bills. One of the Canada Geese on the left is in perfect profile and you can get a good look at its bill. Compare it to the Cackling Geese in front and to the right and you see their beaks are stubbier.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii).  These two species used to be one species – Canada Goose.  But in 2004, several of the smaller subspeices of Canada Goose were separated out from Canada Goose and classified as a separate species – Cackling Goose.  This was  based on two major things.

First, DNA testing showed genetic differences between what were formerly smaller subspecies of Canada Goose (now the separate species of Cackling Goose) and the rest of the subspecies of Canada Geese.  Secondly, their calls differ enough that most people can immediately tell the difference.  However, what complicates this is while they tend to nest on different parts of the tundra in Canada, their nesting areas do overlap and where they overlap, these two now separate species interbreed.  So in my opinoion, this is not over.  As we refine DNA testing and more is done, this may change again.  But for now, we have two species where we had one:  Canada Goose and Cackling Goose.

How to distinguish Cackling Geese from Canada Geese?  Cackling Geese are generally smaller – sometimes only half the size of Canada Geese.  Cackling Geese necks will be shorter and more muscular and their beaks will be stubbier.  Listen to their calls online.  You will be able to hear a difference.  And look at the range maps,  Where you are is always important!