Cackling Goose

Description:

Usually when you see these you think Canada Geese, but these are smaller then the Canada. Formally a subspecies they are now a separate species away from the Canada Geese. There are 4 subspecies of the Cackling Geese. Richardson's Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii),Taverner's Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii taverneri), Aleutian Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia). Small Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii minima) The latter two can be found wintering in California. Like Canada Geese it has a black head and neck, with a white chin strap, white rump and black tail. The "Small Cackling" has the shortest neck of all the subspecies and has a short bill. It can have either no collar or a very thing white collar. Body is darker shade of brown then the other subspecies.
The Canada Geese can weigh up to 15lbs the Aleutian weights about 4lbs. Many times these will join a flock of Canada Geese.

Habitat:

Breeds in Alaska and Canada and winters in parts of Canada, western states and Mexico. Can be found in on tundras in breeding season and winters in lakes, marshes, open wet fields

Notes:

2nd and 3rd image shows the comparison of the two species.