Lesser Canada 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. Lesser Canada Goose Branta canadensis parvipes, center, with Canada Goose B. c. moffitti(?) and Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons (behind), and Taverner's Goose B. hutchinsii taverneri (in front, with head down), Arrowhead Marsh, Alameda County, California, USA, January 25, 2004. This bird was intermediate in size between the accompanying larger Common Canada Geese and smaller Aleutian Geese B. h. leucopareia. Within the flock, it preferred the company of a similarly sized but darker bird identified as a Taverner's Goose (the individual in this photo, with it's head down - for more photos of this individual, click here). The bill of this Lesser appears quite small and short.

2. Lesser Canada Goose B. c. parvipes, Arrowhead Marsh, Alameda County, California, USA, January 25, 2004. Same individual as above.

3. Lesser Canada Goose B. c. parvipes, Arrowhead Marsh, Alameda County, California, USA, January 25, 2004. Same individual as above.

4. Lesser Canada Goose B. c. parvipes, Arrowhead Marsh, Alameda County, California, USA, January 25, 2004. Same individual as above. Note the broad white chin strap and the lack of a black line on the chin dividing the strap into two halves.