Cackling Goose page 2

Scroll down to see four photos of Cackling Geese at Coyote Pond in Markham, Ontario, found by Stan Long on 5 October 2004. Two bottom photos show birds with dark chin marks.

In July 2004 the American Ornithologists' Union split the Canada Goose into two species: the large subspecies keep the name Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and the small subspecies are named Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii).

These five Cackling Geese Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii are the nominate subspecies, formerly known as Richardson's Canada Goose. The Canada Geese are probably Branta canadensis maxima.

Most of the 22 Cackling Geese did not have a dark chin mark, but see below.

Two Cackling Geese had a dark chin mark dividing the white cheeks.

The same two Cackling Geese with dark chin marks and a white morph Snow Goose.