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Lesser Canada Goose

Branta canadensis parvipes

Photo by PatrickCarney
Published on Project Noah
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40.9241, -74.0497

Field Notes

Description:

I saw this smaller Canada goose among the others at Van Saun today.

Notes:

I had seen it before, and had asked the local Audubon society if they thought it was a cackling goose, but they said no. Now, after consulting the ID book, it may be a Lesser Canada Goose (parvipes) Can someone help with ID? Thanks!

The goose on the left is the one in question. The photo allows you to see it next to a normal Canada goose. Note the smaller size and much shorter, stubbier neck,

Species ID Suggestions

Lesser Canada Goose

B. c. parvipes
HemaShah
0

Comments (9)
Liam
They are both Lesser Canada Geese. Note that the bird on the left has its neck contracted in a resting position, and the bird on the right has its neck extended, thus giving the bird on the left an even more contracted look. The breast is too pale for Cackling and the bills are not stubby enough.
PatrickCarney
Thanks! Liam has helped me with ID before, and does look like the lesser canada goose in your photo, too.
HemaShah
there is a distinct difference in breast coloration. You might want to leave it as a n unknown spotting,till liam sees it. He could help ID it.
HemaShah
this is my lesser canada http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8465875
HemaShah
Patrick ,this is my Aleutian cackling goose http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8648234
PatrickCarney
The cackling goose doesn't seem to have a white breast like this goose though... Perhaps the difference has something to do with the bird's age or gender?
DavidMroczkowski
Take a look at Cornell's Canada Goose page... http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_goose/id/ac and then the cackling goose... http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cackling_Goose/id/ac I would say it's the Cackling Goose.
HemaShah
You are correct about it being different. If you browse thru my bird spottings you will see all sorts of water fowl. it could very well be a lesser Canada goose. Look at it's breast . it is all white. Cackling geese have a different coloration on the. chest.Other similar looking geese have a buff colored chest. Just a feedback.
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 9, 2012

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