Cackling Goose

The following web site has more information on Cackling Goose range and identification (range map at bottom of page):

http://www.sibleyguides.com/canada_cackling.htm

In a nutshell, the Cackling Goose of our area is Richardson's subspecies (B. h. hutchinsii ). It would likely only ever be confused with the Canada Goose subspecies known as Lesser Canada Goose (B. c. parvipes). The wintering territory of the Lesser Canada Goose is farther west than Richardson's Cackling Goose but can be found in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and occasionally as far east as North-central Texas.

Sibley's charts suggest a significant difference in body mass between the two confusing subspecies mentioned here and a substantial, but perhaps a little less difference, in bill length. Furthermore, range here in our neighborhood - from Hagerman NWR to the coast through NC Texas - appears to indicate a strong preference for Cackling Goose as opposed to Lesser Canada Goose subspecies.

Much work, however, still needs to be done within Texas concerning winter observations. Photographs are almost imperative if one wants to be clear about any confusing sightings.

Photos of cackling Goose in Study Area