Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast

by Harry Thom Payne

Measurements—Wing, never more than 16 inches; bill, not more than 1 ¹/₄ inches.

THE HUTCHINS GOOSE

(Branta canadensis hutchinsii)

We have on the Pacific Coast four varieties of the Branta canadensis, or that species to which belongs the Canada goose, all resembling each other closely except in size. Two of these species are generally considered honkers by most of our sportsmen, while others have two or three local names for them, among which are Mexican goose and Lower California goose. The fact is that while the Canada goose is quite common on the coasts of Mexico, neither the Hutchins goose nor the white-cheeked goose migrate that far south.

The Hutchins goose so closely resembles the Canada goose, or honker as it is popularly called, that it is principally distinguished by its smaller size and a considerable difference in the call. The Hutchins goose ranges as far east as the Mississippi valley, and on the Pacific Coast south only to about Santa Barbara county, California. This is one of the two varieties that is given the local names of Mexican and Lower California goose.

Color—Same as the Canada goose, from which it is only distinguished by its smaller size and a considerable difference in its call.

Nest and Eggs—Same as the Canada goose.

Measurements—Wing, not more than 17 inches; bill, 1 ¹/₂ inches.

THE CACKLING GOOSE, OR BROWN BRANT

(Branta canadensis minima)