Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

Appearance:

Small goose

Black head

Short, stubby bill

Long, black neck

White chinstrap

Light gray to brown breast 

Brownish back

White undertail

Black legs and feet

Listen to its call.

On a number of occasions recently, I've seen what I thought were small Canada Geese. It wasn't until today, when I saw a group of them next to the larger birds, that I realized the extent of the size discrepancy. These birds were about the size of a Mallard Duck. However, it was their call that convinced me that I was actually looking at a different species. Instead of the deep honking of the Canada Goose, this call was a high-pitched, squealing honk.

Canada Geese with Cackling Goose (front right)

In addition to their smaller size and distinctive cackle, these birds can be distinguished from the Canada Goose by their shorter bill length and shorter neck.

Learn more about the Cackling Goose.



Snow Goose

Chen caerulescens

Appearance:
Medium-sized goose
Long neck
Pink-orange bill and legs
Black 'grin patch' on bill edges
White morph:
    Entirely white
    Black wing tips
Blue morph: (not photographed)
    White head and neck
    Blue-gray upperparts
    Gray-brown breast and sides
    White belly

Listen to its call.



Driving down Martindale Road this afternoon, the snowy white plumage of this bird made it stand out from its surroundings as it stood with a large flock of Canada Geese in a farmer's field. At first I thought it was a domesticated barnyard goose given its location. However, as I got closer I could see the black wing-tips, which domesticated geese don't have.

I'm curious as to why a single Snow Goose would be within a flock of Canada Geese, not only while feeding but in flight as well.  I guess it could be that it strayed from its own flock and joined this one for company. Like other animals, humans included, geese probably feel that there is safety in numbers.

Learn more about the Snow Goose.

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

Appearance:
Medium-sized goose
Mostly brown plumage
Long neck
Orange or pink bill
White band around base of bill
Irregular black spots on belly
White line separating belly from wings
White under and uppertail coverts
Dark tail
Orange legs and feet

Listen to its call.

Thanks to a kind gentleman who pointed me in the right direction, I saw these geese in a field off Lochside Trail just north of Blenkinsop Lake earlier today. Their size made them stand out from the larger Canada Geese, which are plentiful in the area. The irregular black spots on the belly, noticable in flight, and the white patch at the base of the bill are the field markings that distinguish them from other geese.

Learn more about the Greater White-fronted Goose.

Brant

Branta bernicla

Appearance:
Small goose
Black head, neck and chest
White, partial neck ring
Dark back and belly
White tail

Listen to its call.

According to the 'checklist of birds' for Victoria, these birds are supposed to be uncommon at this time of year.  Maybe somebody should tell them that. The last couple times I've been to Island View Beach, there have been dozens of them there. Unlike the ducks I've seen around the coast, these birds really seemed to like playing in the waves.  The one below was enjoying a bit of body surfing last weekend.

Learn more about the Brant.

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Appearance:
Black neck, bill and head
White strap under chin
Brown back and wings
Grayish-tan breast

Listen to its call.

Everyone knows the Canada Goose, right?  But did you know that there are actually eleven subspecies, each found in a different geographical location in North America?  The ones we see in western British Columbia are the Vancouver Canada Goose or Branta canadensis fulva.

In my experience, geese can be a bit hostile, so I was a little nervous when this one headed straight for me. Those teeth (or lamellae) on the outside of the bill look pretty sharp. I guess I should be thankful that Canada Geese are herbivores! 

Learn more about the Canada Goose. 

Additional photos: