The cackling goose, known also as brown brant and gray brant, is the most common of the four varieties and much the smallest. ([See illustration.]) Its markings are the same as the Canada goose, but its under parts are somewhat darker. While in total length it is fully half that of the honker, in weight it is not more than one-third. The cackling geese are commonly found in flocks of the white geese, both in their feeding and their migrations. This species ranges east as far as the Mississippi valley and south on the Coast as far as the mouth of the Colorado river and to some extent into Lower California. It is more numerous than any other of the dark colored geese of the Pacific Coast.
Color—The same as the Canada goose, with the exception that it is a little darker on the under parts.
Nest and Eggs—The same as the Canada goose, but the eggs number as high as ten.
Measurements—Wing, 13 to 14 1/2 inches; bill, from one to one and one-eighth.
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THE SNOW GOOSE, OR WHITE GOOSE
(Chen hyperborea)
The lesser snow geese, commonly called white geese, are the larger of the two species of white geese so numerous on the Coast. They not only feed, but migrate in great flocks, and these migrations often take place at night when their sharp cries will be heard high in the air. The lesser snow goose is found as far east as the Mississippi valley and south on the Pacific Coast to San Diego. Occasionally a few are seen at Ensenada and the valley of the Palms in Lower California. The meat is tough and poor in flavor and, therefore, they are hunted but little except by the market hunters, who, somehow, succeed in selling a good number of them to the uninitiated.
Color—Pure white, with black bill and legs; the primaries, or long feathers of the wings, are black.