Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), Nautical Inn at Lake Havasu City, Mohave County

This Cackling Goose was photographed by David Vander Pluym on 04 December 2013

Found and photographed by David Vander Pluym

Cackling Geese are rare but annual inf all and winter in Arizona and the LCRV however though there have been prior reports in the State (including 2 reported banding recoveries) the taxa leucopareia (Aleutian Cackling Goose) does not appear on the ABC list yet.

Identification as a Cackling Goose is based off the small size, short stubby bill, and short neck. Identification as Aleutian (leucopareia) is mainly based on the large white neck collar bordered by dark below, gular stripe, head and bill shape, and underpart color.

04 December 2013, photo by David Vander Pluym