Aleutian 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 "Aleutian" has a short neck but slightly longer neck then the "Small Cackling" and a short bill. It does though have white collar between the black neck and pale brown chest. The Canada Geese can weigh up to 15lbs the Aleutian weights about 5lbs.

Habitat:

Wintering I noticed these on grassy flat hills above the bay shoreline and landfills.

Notes:

Spotted a large flock on top of an old landfill near the shoreline. Mostly find the Cackling geese not far from the Canada Geese.