Life-List Series #4: CANG and CACG
Common Name: Canada Goose and Cackling Goose
Species: Branta canadensis and Branta hutchinsii
Description: An angry brown-and-black goose with a white collar, and its much smaller chubbier cousin.
Motto: Run.
Conservation: Least Concern
Range (CANG): Across the United States and Canada, and northern Mexico, inhabiting the northern portions and Arctic during the breeding season, and migrating or remaining in the winters
Range (CACG): High Arctic breeder, migrating through Western Canada and the central United States, sometimes traveling to the NE USA, or to northern Mexico
Habitat (CANG): Temperate grasslands with water features
Habitat (CACG): Plains and wetlands alongside lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as agricultural fields
Food: Grasses, sedges, stems and leaves, and corn.
Breeding Info: Monogamous single-brood social ground-nesters, with 2-8 eggs and biparental care
Sound: Honk. Squeak.
Life List Notes: I have fond memories of both of these birds, the former obviously more common than the latter. Canada Geese were one of the first birds I ever saw in the mainland United States (I grew up in the USVI for my early childhood), and I always looked forward to seeing them as a little kid. They're sort of ubiquitous on the continent, and they're basically a symbol across two countries. So, yeah, grew up with these guys. As for the Cackling Goose, I saw them for the first time in central NY, amongst a flock of their much bigger cousins, which is one of the easiest ways to identify them. Haven't seen them a lot since, but they're around if you know where to look! Cute little geese, honestly, and a highlight for the discerning birder!
Also, saw that my Brant was reblogged by @a-dinosaur-a-day, which is awesome! Love that blog, so thanks for the reblog!