ExploreBirds

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

Cackling Geese are small, friendly birds that love to live near water. They have a cute, round body and a cheerful honking sound that makes them easy to spot!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Cackling Goose is a small goose, distinctly smaller than the Canada Goose, with a stubby bill and a rounder head. It has a black neck and head, a prominent white 'chinstrap' patch, and a pale brown body with lighter flanks. Its smaller size and sometimes whiter chest help distinguish it.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusBranta
Cackling Goose
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Cackling Goose

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Parents will bravely chase away much larger animals to protect their precious nests!

Sometimes, a goose will pretend to be hurt to distract predators from its babies!

The smallest type of Cackling Goose is only about the size of a mallard duck!

They fly in a 'V' shape to save energy, taking turns leading the flock!

Special abilities

Ability

Endurance Flier

Cackling Geese can fly thousands of miles because their strong wings and efficient bodies help them migrate across continents.

Ability

Loud Caller

The Cackling Goose has unique calls that help it communicate warnings and find family members in noisy flocks.

Ability

Sharp Senses

Cackling Geese have excellent eyesight that helps them spot predators from far away while grazing in open fields.

Measurements & details

Length
55-75 cm
Wingspan
110-130 cm
Weight
0.9-3.2 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Top Speed
90 km/h
Clutch Size
2-8
Incubation
25-28 days
Migration Distance
4500 km

Diet & Feeding

Cackling Geese are plant-eaters, enjoying a variety of grasses, seeds, and grains.

Age differences: Goslings consume more protein-rich insects and small invertebrates for rapid growth, shifting to a mostly plant-based diet as they mature.

Primary Foods

  • Grasses
  • Sedges
  • Cereal grains
  • Corn
  • Berries
  • Aquatic plants

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch geese from a distance, as they can be protective of their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Cackling Goose?

55-75 cm

What is Cackling Goose's wingspan?

110-130 cm

How much does Cackling Goose weigh?

0.9-3.2 kg

How long does Cackling Goose live?

10-20 years

How fast can Cackling Goose move?

90 km/h

What does Cackling Goose eat?

Cackling Geese are plant-eaters, enjoying a variety of grasses, seeds, and grains.

Where is Cackling Goose usually found?

Wetlands

How does Cackling Goose hunt?

Grazing

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Where to spot

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