Species BirdsCackling Goose

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

UncommonBird
Illustration of Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)

The Cackling Goose is a small, stocky goose with a short neck and a distinctive honking call. This species is often confused with the Canada Goose but is notably smaller.

Habitat
Wetlands, lakes, and coastal areas.
Diet
Grasses, grains, and aquatic plants.
How common
Uncommon

Not certain it is a Cackling Goose? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Cackling Goose sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Cackling Goose? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Cackling Goose is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love birds? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More birds

Cactus Wren
Cactus Wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
California Condor
California Condor
Gymnogyps californianus
California Gnatcatcher
California Gnatcatcher
Polioptila californica
California Gull
California Gull
Larus californicus
California Quail
California Quail
Callipepla californica
California Scrub-Jay
California Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma californica
California Thrasher
California Thrasher
Toxostoma redivivum
California Towhee
California Towhee
Melozone crissalis