photo by Phil Swanson
L 21.7–29.5” (55–75 cm).
Song or calls:
Deep, musical “honk-a-lonk” in larger forms, a rapid, high cackle in smaller ones. “Noisy. Call a loud honking or a high-pitched, squeaking cackle.-CLO” call
Description: Sexes similar. Medium sized to small goose. Adults and immatures have black head, with bright contrasting white patch on cheeks and chinstrap; body light tan to brown breast feathers with brownish back; undertail coverts white.
Food: “Entirely herbivorous. Eats variety of plant species and parts, especially grasses, sedges, grain, and berries.-CLO”
Habitat: Migrant birds are found on large marshes, lakes or reservoirs, and nearby grain fields.