Branta hutchinsii | cackling goose
Vagrant
At around 2 feet long, the visiting cackling goose is a smaller goose with black head, white chin strap, a long black neck, brown body feathers, and a white undertail. They are noisy birds with a loud honking call and a high-pitched, squeaking cackle. They are usually found in open ponds near the coast, especially in the winter and spring. Cackling geese are uncommon but regular visitors to Hawaiʻi and are closely related to the endemic nēnē.
The map below shows hotspots along our birding trails where you might see this bird.
Hotspots for cackling goose
- Nuʻupia Pond | Details for Nuʻupia Pond
- James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge | Details for James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
- Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge | Details for Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
- Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary | Details for Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park | Details for Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park
- Wailoa River State Park | Details for Wailoa River State Park
Nuʻupia Pond
Wetland
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
Wetland
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Wetland
Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary
Wetland
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park
Wetland
Wailoa River State Park
Wetland