loons/grebes/geese

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.

Greater White-fronted Goose

Greater White-fronted Goose

The Greater White-fronted Goose (GWFG) is about 28” long with a wingspan of 53” and a weight of 4.8 lb. (2200g). This about one-half the weight of the large common Canada Goose. The genus name Anser (AN-ser) is Latin for goose. The species name albifrons (AL-bih-frons) is from the Latin albus meaning white, and frons for forehead, hence, white-fronted for white front of face.