Branta hutchinsii minima

(Ridgway, 1885)

Vernacular names
English : Cackling goose
French : Bernache de Hutchins

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum size of 110 cm for a weight of 1.8 kg. Similar but smaller than B. canadensis. Small bill. Black neck and head with white cheek patch. This subspecies is smaller with whole plumage being dark brown-grey.

Range and habitat
The species breeds in north Canada, west and north Alaska. Winters in south USA, north Mexico and Japan. Subspecies found in western Alaska. Lives around shorelines, cliff edges, coastal floodplain, tundra, near lakes and rivers.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is locally common although much rarer than B. canadensis. This subspecies has declined in the past because of overhunting.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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