ID Tips: Cackling Goose vs. Canada Goose

Cackling Goose vs. Canada Goose can be a tricky identification, especially if there aren't any other birds around to compare sizes with. Here are some tips that can help you differentiate between the two.

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[nathanwebb]

I don't think I've ever seen a cackling goose, but they are just as interesting as Canada geese.

[TOWERS]

Thank you so much, I think I have "seen " Cacklings twice, I will one day find them and this video will be my guide, again thank you

[danae-rain]

Was at a NWR in WA state yesterday and there were thousands. They have a lot to say!

[OspreyFlyer]

This is an excellent video and refresher! Great job guys! Been through this two times past 6 weeks with Canada vs. Cackling. Merlin ID picked up Cackling and Canada in a large group. I was able to narrow down where the Cackling were located and confirm. I would've missed the Cackling otherwise.

[joesmith]

This is the third year I've used the Merlin app to id birds. The cackling geese have been the first to fly through each year, a week or two ahead of Canada and Snow.

[lynnslaga]

A comparison between female house finch and pine siskin would be super helpful!

[MrPatgiard]

Although smaller, both of these birds taste the same. They are best when stuffed with onions prior to going in the oven at 325 F for 3 1/2 hours.

[cdlong]

Alright, do the white version next, the Snow goose and Ross's goose.

[sierraseb]

Great series! Please consider doing a Raven vs Crow and an Allen's vs Rufous Hummingbirds ID videos. Also, shorebirds especially the tiny peep species could yield many ID videos as would the Empidonax flycatchers. Even though I'm a California birder, I love your channel. Have put together a Wishlist of WI places to visit some day. Thanks.

[RoyceMarcus]

sound is also different! can be helpful to have merlin ready with sound id

[BeastOfTraal]

hairy vs downy woodpecker would be a good one

[peahummer]

My Audubon Field Guide to North American Birds 1977 edition calls the Cackling Goose a Brandt. The photo shows a black and white cheek mark, on photo #172. When did the name change to Cackling Goose? My original Birds of America from 1948 calls it a Brandt. Interesting, Lauren

[heatherkb]

Does location help identify? Being in NC, I keep reading that Cackling Geese aren't located in NC. I've got about 65+ Canada Geese that visit my pond on a daily basis (they come by for breakfast) and some of them look to be either smaller subspecies of Canada Geese or larger subspecies of Cackling Geese, possibly even mixed

[birdingbythebay]

do you know if cackling geese that live in South AL

[pauraque]

I usually deal with minima/leucopareia vs moffitti/maxima so this ID *usually isn't an issue. Though major props to the midwest birders with the hutchinsii/taverneri vs canadensis/parvipes; I praise the grindset!!! 🙌

[brandonriley]

Have you guys done raptor id tips? I’ve always been told to look at the tail but sometimes all I get to see is the chest area so I never know how to id hawks well

[johnr]

Just curious where you are that you are using centimeters instead of inches? - cannot relate centimeters

[pwc]

Whatever god you believe in, thank it for this vid. I feed the ducks and geese over many generations. That Canada goose seems to have a short neck until stretched. Now tell me how in the early spring, other then mating, who is male/female?