Branta hutchinsii leucopareia

Cackling (=Aleutian Canada) goose

Family: Anatidae · Class: Aves · Order: Anseriformes

Conservation status: G5T3 S3

The Aleutian cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia) is a small subspecies of cackling goose, significantly smaller than the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) with a proportionally shorter bill and neck. Adults display the characteristic goose coloration of brown body plumage with black head and neck, contrasted by distinctive white cheek patches. The subspecies exhibits compact proportions typical of cackling geese, with average weights considerably less than their larger Canada goose relatives. This subspecies breeds exclusively on the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, representing one of the most geographically restricted breeding ranges among North American waterfowl. During winter, Aleutian cackling geese migrate to wintering grounds that include California's Central Valley and other Pacific Coast regions. The species undertakes long-distance migrations, following relatively direct flight paths between breeding and overwintering areas. Aleutian cackling geese inhabit coastal and wetland environments during both breeding and wintering seasons. On their Aleutian breeding grounds, they utilize tundra and coastal grassland habitats. During winter in California, they frequent agricultural areas, wetlands, and managed wildlife refuges, particularly utilizing flooded fields and grain crops. The subspecies exhibits typical waterfowl behavioral patterns, with primary activities including feeding and alert behaviors at foraging sites, and loafing and sleeping during midday and nighttime roost periods. Their diet varies seasonally, focusing on higher-carbohydrate foods such as berries and seeds during fall and winter, with particular emphasis on agricultural grains when available. During the breeding season, their diet shifts to include more protein-rich vegetation and invertebrates necessary for reproduction. The Aleutian cackling goose represents a notable conservation success story. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the subspecies has recovered from its previous federal listing status. At the time of federal listing, the subspecies was known scientifically as Branta canadensis leucopareia before taxonomic revision separated cackling geese from Canada geese. The subspecies was originally listed under the Endangered Species Act due to severe population declines caused primarily by introduced foxes on their Aleutian breeding islands, which devastated nesting success. Recovery efforts included extensive predator control programs to remove introduced foxes from breeding islands, habitat restoration, and careful population monitoring. These conservation measures proved successful, leading to population recovery and eventual delisting. The subspecies currently maintains a global rank of G5T3, indicating the overall species is secure but this particular subspecies remains vulnerable. In California, it holds an S3 ranking, reflecting its limited distribution and specific habitat requirements during wintering periods. Continued monitoring ensures that recovered populations remain stable, while habitat protection on both breeding and wintering grounds maintains the conservation gains achieved through decades of dedicated recovery efforts.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.