gallery - waterfowl

Canada and Cackling Goose

Canada and Cackling Goose

Mitochondrial DNA study of the Canada Goose has resulted in two matriarchal size-related species of very similar looking geese.  The Canada Goose is now the larger-bodied group which breeds in mid-range latitudes of the northern hemisphere.  The Cackling Goose is the smaller-bodied group which breeds in the tundra region.

Canvasback

Canvasback

The Canvasback stands out from the crowd.  Its stately presence separates it from other ducks.  It has been called “the aristocrat of ducks” (Mobray), and “elegant” (Alderfer).  Its large size, sloping forehead and characteristic “dark at both ends and white in the middle” appearance (Bell and Kennedy) make it easy to pick out of a group of other ducks.