Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale, Maricopa County

This Cackling Goose was discovered and photographed by Pierre Deviche on 12 January 2013

Seemly a rare but annual winter visitor to Arizona, although identification challenges make its true status unknown.

 Markedly smaller than many surrounding Canada Geese.  Short bill, steep forehead, consistently flat head top, angular head shape, and overall pale color combine to indicate B. h. hutchinsii (= Richardson's Cackling Goose.).  Other subspecies of Cackling Geese have different head shapes and usually darker breasts. 

12 January 2013, photo by Pierre Deviche

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer