Goose & Swan Identification
Swans are Protected by Federal and State Laws and are Closed to Harvest
Swan, Tundra or Trumpeter
(White adult, gray juvenile, Protected Species)
Snow Geese are:
Smaller, with Shorter necks, and Black-tipped wings
Canada Goose
Includes:
Canada (large)
Cackling (small)
White-fronted Goose
White Goose
Includes:
Snow
Ross's
blue phases
Comparison of Canada Geese
Washington has seven different subspecies of Canada Geese that winter in the state, primarily in the SW Washington. Coloration of Canada and Cackling Geese can vary between subspecies and individuals. For more detailed identification guidelines, please take the online goose identification test required to hunt Goose Management Area 2. https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/goose-identification-testing
Canada Geese (Western Canada Goose pictured)
- Large-bodied
- Long neck, most noticeable in flight
- Pronounced bill
Cackling Geese (Cackler pictured)
- Small-bodied
- Short neck, most noticeable in flight
- Stubby bill
- Typically in large flocks
