Bird ID
Canada / Cackling Goose
Common in the Delta and on lakes; cacklers are the small, short-billed version.
Key ID marks
- Black head and neck
- White chinstrap
- Brown-gray body
Typical size
3–10 lb
Best season
Oct–Jan
Where
Delta, lakes, Valley fields
Look-alikes
Brant (no chinstrap).
Fish & Game notes
Federal duck stamp and CA validation required. Steel shot only.
Current CDFW regulations →