Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), Santa Cruz River--south end of Renaissance Dr., Tucson, Pima County

This Cackling Goose was found by Brian Nicholas on 05 November 2017 and photographed by Pat Goltz on 06 November 2017

Rare winter visitor. The Aleutian subspecies appears to be an annual visitor to western and central Arizona, with this likely being the first for Pima County. Twelve geese were found at this location with eleven representing the Aleutian susbpecies (B. h. leucopareia; front bird) and one possibly the Taverner's subspecies (B. h. taverneri) or possibly one of the smaller Canada Geese (back bird).

Cackling Geese are separated from Canada Geese by smaller size, shorter neck, and proportionately shorter bill with a steeper forehead. The Aleutian (closer bird) is distinguished by a prominent gray-white neck collar with dark lower border (found occasionally on all forms but far more prevalent and thicker in Aleutian), moderately small bill, "square" forehead, bold pale edgings to the coverts, and dark brown breast.

06 November 2017, photo by Pat Goltz

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