Tag Archives: Outdoors

We all recognize the infamous Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)!

The cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii) is basically just a miniature look-alike of the familiar Canada goose. In fact, the two birds were considered varieties of the same species until 2004. The cackling goose is about the size of a large mallard, but otherwise it is nearly identical to its larger cousin. Best Field Marks DiminutiveContinue reading “Cackling Goose”

The Brant (Branta bernicula) is a small goose, only slightly larger than the Ross’s Goose.  Birdwatchers are not likely to confuse the two, however, because one of the most notable characteristics of the Brant is its overall dark color.  Its head, neck, and breast are black, while its back is dark brown.  The underparts areContinue reading “Brant”

The Ross’s goose (Chen rossii) is the smallest goose in America, roughly the size of a mallard duck. Its diminutive size gives it a somewhat “cuter” appearance than its larger lookalike, the snow goose. Like the snow goose, the Ross’s goose comes in both the common white morph and the much rarer blue morph. MostContinue reading “Ross’s Goose”

The Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) comes in two morphs or color varieties.  The white morph is snowy white with black wingtips.  The adult blue morph has a white head, neck, underparts, and tail coverts, but is otherwise mostly gray-brown.  The immature blue morph is similar, but with a brownish head.  A few Snow Geese areContinue reading “Snow Goose”

The Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) is named for the strip of white feathers surrounding its pink bill.