Cackling Geese are a species of small goose native to North America. There are four recognized subspecies of Cackling Goose: Aleutian Cackling Goose, Richardson’s Cackling Goose, Lesser Cackling Goose, and Dusky Cackling Goose. Their population ranges across Alaska, Canada, and the western United States during migration and winter periods. Cackling Geesebreed in the arctic and subarctic regions of Alaska and northwestern Canada.
Cackling Geese get their name from their distinct short, high-pitched “cackling” call. They are the smallest geese species in North America, weighing between 1.5-4.4 pounds with wingspans of 32-48 inches. Their small size allows them to take off almost vertically when startled.
The rarity of Cackling Geese depends on the specific subspecies. Overall populations of Cackling Geese have increased in recent decades after declines due to overhunting and habitat loss. However, some subspecies remain rare with small global populations today. Understanding the conservation status and population trends can give insight into the current rarity of Cackling Geese.
Aleutian Cackling Goose
The rarest of the Cackling Goose subspecies is the Aleutian Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia). This subspecies breeds only on the Aleutian Islands and winters along the Pacific Coast from California to Mexico.
By the 1970s, Aleutian Cackling Geese were nearly extinct with a population low of just 790 geese. Their numbers declined rapidly after introduction of Arctic foxes to the Aleutian Islands, which preyed heavily on goose eggs and young. This subspecies was listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1967.
Intensive conservation efforts including fox control, habitat protection, and captive rearing have aided the recovery of Aleutian Cackling Geese. Populations rebounded to around 150,000 by 2013 when the species was downlisted to Threatened status. However, the population remains vulnerable and Aleutian Cackling Goose are still one of the rarest goose subspecies.
Population Trends
| Year | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| 1945 | 200,000-250,000 |
| 1970 | 790 |
| 2013 | 150,000 |
Aleutian Cackling Geese remain rare compared to historical numbers and other goose species. However, ongoing conservation has significantly improved the population size.
Richardson’s Cackling Goose
Richardson’s Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii) is a small subspecies that breeds in northwest Canada and winters in Texas and Mexico.
This subspecies population dropped to under 20,000 in the 1970s. Habitat degradation and overhunting contributed to declines. Populations rebounded after hunting restrictions and habitat protections.
Current global population estimates for Richardson’s Cackling Goose range from 180,000 to 300,000. The subspecies is considered common and widespread again in migration and wintering grounds.
Population Trends
| Year | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| 1970 | Under 20,000 |
| 2015 | 180,000-300,000 |
Thanks to conservation efforts, Richardson’s Cackling Goose populations have recovered to stable, healthy levels. They are no longer considered rare.
Lesser Cackling Goose
The Lesser Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii minima) is a small subspecies breeding in northern Alaska and adjacent Canada. They winter in California and Mexico.
Lesser Cackling Geese experienced hunting pressure and population declines like other Cackling Geese. From 1976-1988, their Alaska breeding grounds population was estimated at 25,000-41,000.
In 2015, breeding population estimates reached about 69,000 Lesser Cackling Geese. While still lower than historic levels, ongoing conservation has restored healthy population sizes for this subspecies. They are now considered common and widespread.
Population Trends
| Year | Estimated Breeding Population in Alaska |
|---|---|
| 1976-1988 | 25,000-41,000 |
| 2015 | 69,000 |
Lesser Cackling Geese have recovered from population lows and are no longer rare thanks to protective laws and habitat conservation.
Dusky Cackling Goose
The Dusky Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii occidentalis) is the darkest subspecies of Cackling Goose. They breed in western Alaska and winter in western Oregon and California.
Dusky Cackling Geese declined to a low of 10,000-20,000 birds in the 1970s due to hunting and habitat loss. Their populations rebounded after establishment of refuges and hunting restrictions.
By 2015, the Dusky Cackling Goose population recovered to an estimated 169,000. The subspecies is now considered common and widespread along migration routes and wintering grounds on the U.S. Pacific Coast.
Population Trends
| Year | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| 1970 | 10,000-20,000 |
| 2015 | 169,000 |
Protection and management programs have successfully restored Dusky Cackling Goose populations so they are no longer rare.
Factors Affecting Rarity
All four subspecies of Cackling Goose experienced significant population declines in the 1900s. Hunting pressure and loss of arctic breeding habitat negatively impacted Cackling Goose populations. Additional factors like the introduction of non-native predators also affected some subspecies.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 offered the first protections for Cackling Geese and other migratory birds. But it wasn’t until further hunting regulations and habitat protections in the mid to late 1900s that Cackling Goose populations began to recover.
Key protections aiding Cackling Goose recovery include:
- Establishment of National Wildlife Refuges securing breeding and wintering grounds
- Ban of spring hunting for geese in the lower 48 states
- Restricted bag limits on goose hunting
- Reintroduction programs for some subspecies
- Habitat restoration and predator control programs
Cackling Goose populations rebounded significantly thanks to conservation efforts across their breeding and wintering range. While some subspecies like the Aleutian Cackling Goose remain rare, most have recovered to stable, healthy levels. Ongoing management and monitoring is critical to ensure populations remain secure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cackling Geese are considered rare birds historically and in modern times compared to other North American goose species. However, rarity varies significantly depending on the subspecies.
The Aleutian Cackling Goose is the rarest subspecies, listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act with a global population around 150,000. The other three subspecies all rebounded from population lows thanks to hunting restrictions and habitat protections. They are now considered common and widespread.
Cackling Goose populations dropped sharply in the 1900s but proper management programs have aided recovery for most subspecies. Continued monitoring and protection of breeding and wintering grounds are essential to prevent future declines. While still relatively rare compared to prolific species like the Canada Goose, most Cackling Goose subspecies have been restored to sustainable population levels through successful conservation.
