Cackler
Cackling goose is a species of goose that was split from the Canada Goose complex several years ago. It is distinguished from Canada Goose by its stubby bill, relatively short neck, and smaller size. This Cackling Goose is of the subspecies minima, the smallest subspecies and the most common subspecies in our area, the Puget Sound of Washington state. Besides its small size, it is distinguished by its dark breast and very stubby bill.
So is this split a result of breeding with other species? I've wondered how that occurred.
What defines a species is an evolving concept. Years ago the primary definition of a species is whether two types of animal could produce fertile offspring. If so they were felt to be the same species. If not, then they were separate species. Using more recently available techniques the definition of a species has changed. Groups of birds that have been separated for long enough to develop morphologic, behavioral, or genetic difference in their DNA, that don't widely interbreed in nature, and preferentially breed with their own type are often split into different species. Cackling Geese breed in different areas than Canada Geese, are smaller, have stubby bills, and seem to have evolved into a different species than Canada Geese. This type of split is becoming increasingly common. This is in large part because using DNA analysis it is now possible to find that populations of birds have evolved separately for often millions of years, evolving into genetically different populations to warrant being split into different species, even though to an observer they may appear identical, or minimally different. Examples are the Solitary Vireo which was split into Blue-headed, Plumbeous, and Cassin's Vireos, and Winter Wren that was split into Pacific Wren and Winter Wren in North America, and Wren in Europe. There are lots of other examples. Sometimes the same type of research results in a "lump" of two species that are determined to lack enough genetic differences and are lumped into one species. An example is the Yellow-Dumped Warbler that used to be Myrtle's and Audubon's Warblers. Good birding.
that was really informative!! Thanks so much for taking the time.
I think this goose is nicer than others because of his neck, although also make him looks like a duck.
Yes he does look like a odd colored duck. Very informative. I never heard of these.
Your Post Has Been Featured on @Resteemable!
Feature any Steemit post using resteemit.com!
How It Works:
1. Take Any Steemit URL
2. Erase
https://3. Type
reGet Featured Instantly & Featured Posts are voted every 2.4hrs
Join the Curation Team Here | Vote Resteemable for Witness