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This species was only "created" in 2004, when the American Ornithologists' Union split Canada geese into two species. The large forms, of which there are seven subspecies, remain as the Canada goose. The smaller forms - four subspecies - are now considered distinct, as the cackling goose. Ohio gets small numbers of the Arctic-nesting cacklers each year. |
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Cackling Goose
Branta hutchinsii
At-a-Glance
• Mating: Monogamous
• Peak breeding activity: March-June
• Typical Foods: plant matter and aquatic invertebrates |
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Description
The cackling goose looks just like the Canada goose, but is most readily distinguished by its tiny size - similar to that of a mallard.
Habitat and Habits
This goose inhabits all manners of wetlands, lakes, shorelines, and even very urban areas. They give high-pitched squeaky cackles - quite different from the Canada goose.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Typical nesting sites are on the ground adjacent to a pond or lake and on small islands in lakes and rivers. |
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