Telling the difference between a Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and a Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) can be tricky for birdwatchers. At first glance, these two goose species appear very similar. They have the same black head and neck, white chinstrap, light tan to brown body, and black legs, feet, and bill. However, there are some subtle differences in size, bill length, neck length, and voice that can help you distinguish a Cackling Goose from a Canada Goose.
Size Difference
The most noticeable difference between these two geese is their size. Canada Geese are much larger than Cackling Geese. A Canada Goose typically measures 24-50 inches in length with a wingspan of 54-68 inches. They weigh 5-14 pounds. Cackling Geese measure 22-28 inches in length with a wingspan of 41-48 inches and weigh just 3-4.5 pounds.
| Species | Length | Wingspan | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Goose | 24-50 inches | 54-68 inches | 5-14 lbs |
| Cackling Goose | 22-28 inches | 41-48 inches | 3-4.5 lbs |
When seen together, the size difference is obvious with Canada Geese towering over the smaller Cackling Geese. If you can only see one goose, size alone can still be a good clue. A goose on the smaller end, under 28 inches, is likely a Cackling Goose while a larger goose over 36 inches is almost certainly a Canada Goose.
Bill Length
Another distinguishing characteristic between these species is bill length. Canada Geese have longer bills that are thicker at the base. Their culmen (top ridge of the bill) measures 45-50 mm. Cackling Geese have shorter, stubbier bills with a culmen of just 32-40 mm.
To check the bill length, look at the goose’s profile and measure how far the bill extends from the feathers at the base. A longer bill extending well beyond the feathers likely belongs to a Canada Goose. A shorter bill means you’re probably looking at a Cackling Goose.
Neck Length
When observing geese, also pay attention to the neck length. Canada Geese tend to have longer necks compared to Cackling Geese. Canada Goose necks are elongated and almost swan-like. Cackling Geese have shorter, thicker necks. The neck of a Cackling Goose does not extend as far forward when swimming or reaching for food as a Canada Goose’s neck does.
Voice
Listening to their calls is another way to distinguish between Canada Geese and Cackling Geese. Canada Geese have a loud, sonorous honk that almost sounds like “ah-honk.” Their calls are lower pitched and boom through the wetlands. Cackling Geese make a higher-pitched, yelping “hank” sound. They have faster, more abbreviated honking compared to Canada Geese.
Range
Range can also provide clues as to which species you are observing. Canada Geese are found throughout North America. Cackling Geese breed in arctic and subarctic regions of Alaska and Canada. During winter, they migrate down into the lower 48 United States and Mexico. If you see a small goose in migration or wintering farther south, chances are its a Cackling Goose. The larger Canada Goose is more widespread year-round.
Subspecies
Within both Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, there are several recognized subspecies. These include:
Canada Goose subspecies:
- Atlantic Canada Goose (B.c. canadensis): The largest subspecies, found in eastern North America
- Interior Canada Goose (B.c. interior): A smaller subspecies found in interior regions of Canada and the United States
- Giant Canada Goose (B.c. maxima): Very large, found mainly in the Great Plains and west central United States
- Moffitt’s Canada Goose (B.c. moffitti): Smaller subspecies found along the west coast
- Vancouver Canada Goose (B.c. fulva): Medium-sized, found along Pacific Coast
- Dusky Canada Goose (B.c. occidentalis): Dark subspecies, breeds in Alaska
Cackling Goose subspecies:
- Aleutian Cackling Goose (B.h. leucopareia): Found in Alaska
- Cackling Cackling Goose (B.h. minima): The smallest subspecies, found in Canada and Alaska
- Taverner’s Cackling Goose (B.h. taverneri): Winters along Great Lakes and migrates through midwestern states
- Richardson’s Cackling Goose (B.h. hutchinsii): Breeds on arctic islands, winters from Texas to California
The subspecies have subtle variations in size and coloration. For example, the larger subspecies of Canada Goose tend to have darker plumage while the small Cackling Goose subspecies are paler. Knowing which subspecies occur in your area can help identification. However, for most birdwatchers just being able to distinguish the overall Canada Goose versus Cackling Goose is sufficient.
Identification Tips
Here are some key identification points to look for:
| Canada Goose | Cackling Goose |
|---|---|
| Large size, 24-50 inches in length | Small size, 22-28 inches in length |
| Long neck that extends far forward | Short, thick neck |
| Long bill, 45-50 mm culmen | Short, stubby bill, 32-40 mm culmen |
| Low-pitched “ah-honk” call | High-pitched, yelping “hank” calls |
| Widespread through North America | Breeds in the arctic, winters in lower 48 states and Mexico |
Conclusion
Telling apart a Canada Goose from a Cackling Goose can be tricky. Focus on small differences in size, bill length, neck length, calls, and range to identify these similar-looking geese. With practice, birdwatchers can quickly learn to distinguish between these two species, even at a distance. Observing the geese side by side makes the size difference obvious. Measuring bill length, listening to calls, and noting where the birds are observed can all be helpful clues. Paying attention to these subtle variations will soon have you accurately identifying Canada Geese and Cackling Geese every time.
