Aleutian Goose

Updated November 28, 2004: I have updated the scientific names used on this page in line with the changes recently adopted by the American Ornithologist's Union's Committee on Classification and Nomenclature in the 45th supplement to the Checklist of North American Birds (Banks et al. 2004). The 11 previously recognized subspecies of Canada Goose Branta canadensis - canadensis (Atlantic), interior (Interior), maxima (Giant), moffitti (Moffitt's), parvipes (Lesser), fulva (Vancouver), occidentalis (Dusky), hutchinsii (Richardson's), leucopareia (Aleutian), taverneri (Taverner's) and minima (Cackling) - are now partitioned between two species, Canada Goose B. canadensis and Cackling Goose B. hutchinsii, as follows:

Canada Goose B. canadensis: canadensis (Atlantic), interior (Interior), maxima (Giant), moffitti (Moffitt's), parvipes (Lesser), fulva (Vancouver) and occidentalis (Dusky)

Cackling Goose B. hutchinsii: hutchinsii (Richardson's), leucopareia (Aleutian), taverneri (Taverner's) and minima (Cackling)

For further information on these various forms, see this useful summary on Angus Wilson's website. Separation of the "Canada" goose forms into two species represents a useful step forward in understanding the relationships between these various taxa, but selection of the name "Cackling Goose" for B. hutchinsii seems like a poor choice given that this name was previously used only for minima. I have therefore opted to continue using the common names mentioned above for the various taxa, reserving "Cackling Goose" specifically for minima.

Banks, R. C., C. Cicero, J. L. Dunn, A. W. Kratter, P. C. Rasmussen, J. V. Remsen, J. D. Rising, D. F. Stotz. 2004. Forty-fifth supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds. Auk 121:985-995

1. Aleutian Goose Branta hutchinsii leucopareia, with juvenile Ross's Goose Chen rossii, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin, California, USA, November 16, 2003. Note the small size of the Aleutian Goose, and the narrow white forecollar shadowed below by an indistinct dark collar.

2. Aleutian Goose B. h. leucopareia, with juvenile Ross's Goose C. rossii, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin, California, USA, November 16, 2003. In profile, note the boxy head shape and small bill.

3. Aleutian Goose B. h. leucopareia, with juvenile Ross's Goose C. rossii, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin, USA, November 16, 2003. Wintering only in California, numbers of this formerly endangered form have rebounded in response to control of introduced foxes on the Alaskan breeding islands.

4. Aleutian Goose B. h. leucopareia, with juvenile Ross's Goose C. rossii, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin, USA, November 16, 2003. Size comparison with accompanying Ross's Goose.

5. Aleutian Goose B. h. leucopareia, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin, USA, November 16, 2003. Click here for more photos of Aleutian Geese.