Richardson's Cackling Goose

Richardson's Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii, Broadkill Road, Sussex County, Delaware, USA, December 30, 2006

One of at least four Cackling Geese associating with a large flock of Snow Geese Chen caerulescens. Note the generally small size (smaller than Snow Goose), short neck and stubby triangular bill. The relatively pale coloration compared to the Western forms of Cackling (leucopareia (Aleutian), taverneri (Taverner's) and minima (Cackling)) is consistent with Richardson's B. h. hutchinsii. Interestingly, a large flock of Canada Geese B. canadensis was present on the other side of the road, but the Cacklers preferred the company of the Snow Geese. For images of the western forms of Cackling Goose, please see the following pages:

Cackling Geese Branta hutchinsii minima, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, USA 11-30-2003

Aleutian Geese Branta hutchinsii leucopareia, Pt Arena, California, USA 01-19-2003

Aleutian Goose Branta hutchinsii leucopareia, Pt Reyes National Seashore, California, USA 11-16-2003

Aleutian Geese Branta hutchinsii leucopareia, Bolinas Lagoon, California, USA 12-07-2003

Aleutian Geese Branta hutchinsii leucopareia, Arrowhead Marsh, Alameda, California, USA 01-25-2004

Taverner's Goose Branta hutchinsii taverneri, San Francisco, California, USA 11-26-2003

Taverner's Goose Branta hutchinsii taverneri, Arrowhead Marsh, Alameda, California, USA 01-25-2004

For some images of the small parvipes form of Canada Goose (Lesser Canada Goose), see here:

Lesser Canada Goose Branta canadensis parvipes, Arrowhead Marsh, Alameda, California, USA 01-25-2004

Cackling Goose