Branta Hutchinsii Research Articles

Geese as keystone species in the Low Arctic of central Canada: the Karrak Lake Research Station

True abundance of lesser snow ( Anser caerulescens caerulescens, Linnaeus 1758) and Ross's geese ( Anser rossii, Cassin 1861, collectively referred to as “light geese”, in North America had been unknown in the 1980s. However, different indices of abundance suggested steady increases at the time. The Karrak Lake Research Station (KLRS) was established partly because it was not known if the breeding biology from more southern latitudes (the only information available at the time) was representative of more northern colonies where 90% of the midcontinent population of lesser snow geese nested. Visits in 1990 confirmed the continued importance of Karrak Lake and surrounding areas in Canada’s central Arctic to a large nesting concentration of both snow and Ross's geese documented previously. Key activities at KLRS were (1) colony-wide annual monitoring of nesting goose abundance and nesting performance and (2) large-scale marking efforts to monitor survival, range-wide abundance, distribution, and exploitation rate from hunter harvest and natural mortality rate. The scope of research expanded to include their interaction with local vegetation and other sympatric wildlife, including Arctic foxes ( Vulpes lagopus, Linnaeus 1758), king eiders ( Somateria spectabilis, Linnaeus 1758), long-tailed ducks ( Clangula hyemalis, Linnaeus 1758), and cackling geese ( Branta hutchinsii). Following exponential growth in the 1990s and 2000s, nesting populations of light geese at Karrak lake collapsed since 2012, presenting a unique opportunity to examine how local ecosystems recover and revert from heavy grazing by hyperabundant geese.

Migration tracking assists harvest management of overabundant Canada geese in Manitoba, Canada

AbstractSimilar to other jurisdictions across North America, populations of temperate‐nesting giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) have increased to unprecedented levels in Manitoba, Canada, causing extensive damage to crops and property, posing risks to human safety, and mostly avoiding mortality risk from fall hunting seasons. As a result, this population in southern Manitoba was declared overabundant in 2019, through an amendment to the Canada Migratory Birds Regulations. Management authorities sought to increase harvest rates by introducing an additional hunting period in spring, or conservation season, wherein harvest could be concentrated on this population. An important consideration was the need to avoid additional harvest on non‐target populations that do not meet the criteria to be classified as overabundant, specifically, sub‐arctic nesting Canada geese (Branta canadensis interior) and mid‐continent cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii). To investigate differences in migration timing of populations, and ultimately determine start and closure dates for the spring conservation season, we deployed light‐level geolocators on adult females of each population between 2016 and 2018. We used Bayesian approaches to derive locations from light‐level data and generalized linear mixed models to investigate potential differences in timing of international border crossing among goose populations. Migration data confirmed that movement of these populations overlapped extensively in fall, but in spring, a narrow period existed where mainly the target population was present. Our findings provide the basis for decisions about timing of spring conservation seasons for overabundant temperate‐nesting Canada geese in Manitoba, the first season of its kind for this population in North America. Additionally, our work represents the first large‐scale use of light‐level geolocator technology for assisting with waterfowl harvest management decisions.

Discrimination among similarly colored goose species in federal harvest surveys

AbstractEach year in the United States, fall‐winter (sport) harvests of goose species are estimated from federal surveys coordinated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, including the Migratory Bird Harvest Survey to estimate total goose harvest and the Parts Collection Survey (PCS) to estimate the species and age composition. For the PCS, randomly selected hunters collect tail and wing feathers of each goose shot during the hunting season, and then biologists determine the age class and species of each sample at organized events (Wingbees) in each of the 4 flyways (Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic). For similarly colored goose species, cackling (Branta hutchinsii) versus Canada (B. canadensis) geese (dark geese) and Ross's (Anser rossii) versus snow (A. caerulescens) geese (light geese), different protocols evolved among Wingbees to differentiate samples into groupings of management interest, leading to difficulties in estimating species‐level harvests among the 4 flyways or nationally. We conducted a study among the United States flyways during 2019–2022 to derive thresholds of central tail feather length to discriminate between dark geese and between light geese. We compared morphological‐ and genetic‐based approaches. There was support for 2 distinct mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) clades in dark and light geese, but only dark goose clades corresponded with central tail feather lengths (morphological size and species identification). Derived thresholds for central tail feather lengths of dark geese in the 3 westernmost flyways using genetic‐based species' discrimination were 145 mm for adults and 134 mm for juveniles, approximately 13 mm and 9 mm less, respectively, than thresholds using morphological‐based species' discrimination. There was limited ability to discriminate light geese based on either mtDNA or central tail feather lengths. We suggest managers use our derived thresholds based on genetic‐based species' discrimination to classify dark goose PCS samples. More advanced genome analyses should be conducted before changing current Wingbee protocols for light geese. Lastly, we encourage more studies to incorporate genetic analyses to complement morphological discrimination.

Predators of Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) eggs on the Alaska Coastal Plain are variable and inconsistent across years

Predators of Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) eggs on the Alaska Coastal Plain are variable and inconsistent across years

Temporal constraints influence reproductive characteristics that are related to the pace‐of‐life continuum in geese

Among avian species, particularly those with altricial young, life‐history strategies are characterized by a ‘slow’ pace‐of‐life at lower latitudes, where relatively low annual investments in reproduction are traded‐off for increased survival. Evidence for this pattern in precocial species, however, is equivocal, and questions about ecological drivers of latitudinal variation in reproduction remain. To better understand spatial variation in pace‐of‐life and related reproductive traits across bird species and to test a hypothesis that might explain observed spatial patterns, we analysed breeding data from closely related Canada Geese Branta canadensis and Cackling Geese Branta hutchinsii, hereafter Canada‐type geese, comprising eight sub‐species from 16 sites across a broad gradient of latitude (32°N to 69°N) and season length. Unlike the pattern reported for many altricial species, Canada‐type geese did not show reduced annual fecundity at lower latitudes, and instead this reduced reproductive investment was at higher latitudes. For three of five reproductive traits, the relative influence of growing season length (GSL; an index of the time available to breed) was greater than that of latitude. A shorter GSL resulted in later nest initiations, shorter pre‐laying intervals and higher seasonal rates of clutch size decline. Our results suggest that these and other species of geese are able to circumvent nutritional and temporal constraints imposed by shorter GSL by storing and using nutrient reserves for egg laying and incubation. Relative flexibility in reproductive traits may permit Canada‐type geese to accommodate predicted increases in climatic variability, compared to species with more rigid reproductive strategies.

ASSESSMENT OF VARIATION IN THE DETECTION AND PREVALENCE OF BLOOD PARASITES AMONG SYMPATRICALLY BREEDING GEESE IN WESTERN ALASKA, USA.

Haemosporidian parasites may impact avian health and are subject to shifts in distribution and abundance with changing ecologic conditions. Therefore, understanding variation in parasite prevalence is important for evaluating biologically meaningful changes in infection patterns and associated population level impacts. Previous research in western Alaska, US, indicated a possible increase in Leucocytozoon spp. infection between Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) sampled in 1996 (<1%, n=134) and during 2011-12 (19.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-36.8%, n=77); however, different detection methods were used for these estimates. Prior research in this same region identified a lack of Leucocytozoon spp. parasites (0%, n=117) in sympatrically breeding Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima) in 2011. We molecularly screened blood samples collected from sympatrically breeding Emperor and Cackling Geese in western Alaska during additional breeding seasons to better assess temporal and species-specific variation in the prevalence of blood parasites. We found similar prevalence estimates for Leucocytozoon spp. parasites in Emperor Goose blood samples collected in 1998 and 2014, suggesting consistent infection of Emperor Geese with blood parasites at these time points. Using samples from sympatric geese sampled during 2014, we found evidence for a higher incidence of parasites among Emperor Geese (20.3%, 95% CI: 11.8-32.7%) compared to Cackling Geese (3.6%, 95% CI: 1.1-11.0%), reinforcing the previous finding of species-specific differences in infection. Furthermore, we detected Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium spp. blood parasites in unflighted goslings of both species, supporting the possible transmission of these parasites at western Alaska breeding grounds. Our results help to clarify that prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. parasites have probably remained consistent among Emperor Geese breeding in western Alaska since the late 1990s and that this species may disproportionally harbor Leucocytozoon spp. compared to sympatrically breeding Cackling Geese.

Use of Flubendazole and Fenbendazole for Treatment of Lung Severe Infection by the Gapeworm Cyathostoma bronchialis (Nematoda: Syngamidae) in Branta hutchinsii, Anser indicus and B. leucopsis Exotic Geese: An Interesting Case.

A 6-year-old female goose (Branta hutchinsii) from a group of ornamental exotic geese was found dead due to severe respiratory failure, followed by emission of haemorrhagic sputum and blood clots from the beak and nostrils, and then collapse. At necropsy, the cause of death was attributed to a total of 76 helminth parasites found in the trachea and lungs, then identified as Cyathostoma bronchialis. The flock was initially treated by feed with flubendazole (1200 g/1000 kg/feed) for 7 consecutive days but, at the reappearance of the respiratory symptoms 10 days after, the animals were given fenbendazole by drinking water (300 mg/L) for 7 consecutive days, but at the reappearance of the respiratory symptoms 10 days after, the animals were given fenbendazole via drinking water (300 mg/L) for 7 consecutive days. Despite these treatments, the respiratory symptoms continued to relapse 10–15 days after the end of drug administration. In the literature, there are no data regarding drugs for the treatment of C. bronchialis infestations in geese, and the use of these drugs in exotic birds occurs as “off-label” use. This case study provides information on C. bronchialis life cycle, which is still poorly studied and poorly documented today. In particular, the case provides useful suggestions for evaluating an appropriate protocol for the treatment of C. bronchialis in geese.

Exploratory Surveys of Migratory Birds Breeding in the Western and Central Canadian Arctic 2005–2011

Abstract The Canadian Arctic and subarctic are the primary breeding areas of many species of North American water and land birds. Because of the remote location and the logistical difficulties of working there, wildlife biologists have not systematically surveyed most important areas for wildlife, nor have they surveyed these areas very frequently. During the summers of 2005–2011, various Joint Ventures, and U.S., Canadian, and state wildlife agencies and other partners funded exploratory fixed-wing aircraft surveys of migratory birds (excluding passerines and shorebirds) in important habitats in Canada's western and central Arctic. Our objectives were to provide access to the complete survey dataset (all bird and mammal observations and associated location data) and summarize information on several species. Thus, we produced maps of average relative density and estimates of abundance in the survey area for cackling geese Branta hutchinsii, greater white-fronted geese Anser albifrons, tundra swans Cygnus columbianus, king eiders Somateria spectabilis, long-tailed ducks Clangula hyemalis, white-winged Melanitta fusca and surf Melanitta perspicillatas scoters, and yellow-billed Gavia adamsii, red-throated Gavia stellata, and Pacific Gavia pacifica loons. We reviewed previous survey efforts in the area and, where possible, compared them with our results.

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in zoo birds caused by HA clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 subtype viruses in Japan in winter 2016.

In late 2016, two zoos, one in northern Japan and the other in central Japan, experienced highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, in which multiple zoo birds were infected with H5N6 subtype HPAI virus (HPAIV). Here, we report an overview of these HPAI outbreaks. HPAIV infections were confirmed by virus isolation in three black swans (Cygnus atratus) and three snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) kept in the Omoriyama Zoo hospital. At Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, following the death of a black swan at a zoo pond, nine waterfowl, including two black swans, four cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia), two mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and a wigeon (Anas penelope), died after HPAIV infection in isolation facilities. Based on the presence of H5-specific antibodies in their sera, two surviving black swans and a surviving mallard at Higashiyama Zoo appeared to have HPAIV infection, although the virus was not isolated. The detectable levels of antibodies (≥10 HI) were maintained for at least 5-9months, as determined by haemagglutinin inhibition test. Isolation of two H5N6 subtype HPAIVs from an open-air pond where affected zoo birds were previously housed at Higashiyama Zoo strongly indicates that wild waterfowl associated with aquatic environments brought the virus to the zoo. The phylogenetic relationships of the 18 isolates indicated direct viral transmission among birds within each zoo. In both zoos, containment of suspected birds in isolation facilities might have allowed the virus spread among birds inside the facility. However, maintaining containment measures and strict sanitation procedures could facilitate successful physical containment and clearance of HPAIV in both zoos.

Predicting waterbird nest distributions on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska

ABSTRACTThe Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska, USA is a globally important region for numerous avian species including millions of migrating and nesting waterbirds. However, data on the current spatial distribution of critical nesting areas and the importance of environmental variables in the selection of nest locations are generally lacking for waterbirds in this region. We modeled nest densities for 6 species of geese and eiders that commonly breed on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, including cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii minima), emperor goose (Chen canagica), black brant (B. bernicla nigricans), greater white‐fronted goose (Anser albifrons frontalis), spectacled eider (Somateria fischeri), and common eider (S. mollissima). The data used were from single‐visit nest searches on 2,318 plots sampled during 29 years from 1985 to 2013. We modeled nest density for each species by combining data across years and using random forests methods and time‐static landscape environmental variables. These models provide the first habitat‐specific predictive distributions of nest density for these species breeding on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska. Predictive performance of the random forests models varied among species, explaining 13–69% of the variance in nest density. For most species, nest density was greatest near the coast and within lowland habitats. Predicted nest densities mapped across the coastal zone of the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta revealed areas of high and low nest densities that can be used to inform management and conservation decisions. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.

Surveillance for Eurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in Alaska, spring and summer 2015.

BackgroundEurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic (HP) influenza A viruses (IAVs) were first detected in North America in wild, captive, and domestic birds during November–December 2014. Detections of HP viruses in wild birds in the contiguous United States and southern Canadian provinces continued into winter and spring of 2015 raising concerns that migratory birds could potentially disperse viruses to more northerly breeding areas where they could be maintained to eventually seed future poultry outbreaks.ResultsWe sampled 1,129 wild birds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, one of the largest breeding areas for waterfowl in North America, during spring and summer of 2015 to test for Eurasian lineage and intercontinental reassortant HP H5 IAVs and potential progeny viruses. We did not detect HP IAVs in our sample collection from western Alaska; however, we isolated five low pathogenic (LP) viruses. Four isolates were of the H6N1 (n = 2), H6N2, and H9N2 combined subtypes whereas the fifth isolate was a mixed infection that included H3 and N7 gene segments. Genetic characterization of these five LP IAVs isolated from cackling (Branta hutchinsii; n = 2) and greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons; n = 3), revealed three viral gene segments sharing high nucleotide identity with HP H5 viruses recently detected in North America. Additionally, one of the five isolates was comprised of multiple Eurasian lineage gene segments.ConclusionsOur results did not provide direct evidence for circulation of HP IAVs in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska during spring and summer of 2015. Prevalence and genetic characteristics of LP IAVs during the sampling period are concordant with previous findings of relatively low viral prevalence in geese during spring, non-detection of IAVs in geese during summer, and evidence for intercontinental exchange of viruses in western Alaska.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-016-0511-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ross’s Goose (&lt;i&gt;Chen rossi&lt;/i&gt;) Nesting Colony at East Bay, Southampton Island, Nunavut

Most Ross’s Geese (Chen rossi) nest in the central arctic of North America, but the range has expanded eastward in the last two decades. In summer 2014, we discovered a cluster of 48 nesting pairs of Ross’s Geese at East Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary,Southampton Island, Nunavut. The Ross’s Goose colony was between an upland Lesser Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) nesting area and a low-lying Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) and Atlantic Brant (Branta bernicla) nesting area, in a zone dominated by ponds and lakes and interspersed with areas of moss and graminoids. Our discovery documents a previously unknown level of nesting of Ross’s Geese at East Bay and corroborates unpublished evidence of growing numbers of the species on Southampton Island and expansion of its breeding range.

New avian breeding records for Igloolik Island, Nunavut

New breeding records for three tundra nesting species were documented on the Arctic island of Igloolik (Nunavut, Canada). The species are the Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii), the Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus), and the Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos). These records refine their breeding range in the Canadian Arctic archipelago, while highlighting changes in detected bird communities at specific locations through time.

British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee: 43rd Report (October 2014)

British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee: 43rd Report (October 2014)

Use of capture–recapture models with mark‐resight data to estimate abundance of Aleutian cackling geese

ABSTRACTThe Aleutian cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia) was listed as endangered in 1967, downgraded to threatened in 1990, and removed from protection under the endangered species act in 2001. Accurate determination of population status continues to be a priority for management agencies because of the population's past listing as endangered, the species status as a game bird, and because population expansion has resulted in increased crop damage complaints. We compared estimates of marked Aleutian goose abundance from available mark‐resight data during 1996–2012 using capture–recapture Jolly–Seber (POPAN formulation) and robust design (closed capture) models. We derived an estimate of Aleutian goose abundance by expanding an estimate of marked‐bird abundance by the ratio of total to marked geese. Robust design models provided strong evidence of even‐flow and Markovian temporary emigration from observable to unobservable states between annual sampling periods, and POPAN estimates were biased as a result of this movement. The observable population increased in abundance from 790 in 1975 to 134,703 (SE = 10,866, 95% CI = 113,405–156,002) geese in 2012. However, total (observable and unobservable) population size was 216,564 geese based on an estimated probability (0.622) of being available for observation. Annual survival probability was 0.80 (SE = 0.05). Current data collection allows estimation of annual observable abundance with a coefficient of variation of ≤8%. Robust design offers a means of estimating abundance of partially marked wildlife populations in the presence or absence of temporary emigration, which can result from partial study area access and is likely a common situation for many populations. Mark‐resight is a cost‐effective approach (compared to capture–recapture studies and aerial surveys) that can be applied to successfully estimate demographic parameters of other populations. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.

A hybrid zone between Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) and Cackling Geese (B. hutchinsii)

ABSTRACT. We studied patterns of geographic variation in structural size and genetic characteristics of white-cheeked geese inhabiting coastal areas of Hudson Bay, Canada, from northern Manitoba to southern Nunavut to determine the degree of morphological and spatial overlap, if any, between Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii) and Canada Geese (B. canadensis) in this region. Most Canada Geese occurred in sub-Arctic habitats south of 59°N latitude, and most Cackling Geese occurred in Arctic habitats north of 60°N, but the two species overlapped in a narrow zone between 59°N and 60°N latitude that coincided with the ecotone between sub-Arctic and Arctic ecozones. Mismatches between morphological and genetic characteristics of some individual females suggested that introgression had occurred in this area, and contrasting patterns in the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were consistent with female natal philopatry and male-biased dispersal. Evidence of introgression in the nuclear genome was geographicall...

Response of cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii taverneri) to spatial and temporal variation in the production of crowberries on the Alaska Peninsula

Arctic geese often feed on berries during premigratory fattening. We hypothesized that during autumn staging on the Alaska Peninsula, the distribution of Taverner’s cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii taverneri) would be correlated with spatial variation in crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) abundance. We also predicted that daily rates of fat increase among cackling geese would be higher in years when crowberries were abundant, compared to years when the crowberry crop was poor. Apparent distribution of geese based on fecal densities mirrored patterns of berry abundance, with areas that had highest densities of crowberries being used most heavily by geese. In areas where apparent use was greatest, geese consumed approximately 30 % of the berry crop between early September and mid-October. From 1999 to 2002, annual mean crowberry density in early September ranged from 205 berries m−2 (1999) to 12 berries m−2 (2002). Daily rates of lipid increase averaged 7.6 g day−1 for juvenile and 11.4 g−1 day for adult cackling geese and did not differ among years despite a >90 % difference in annual berry abundance. Although cackling geese used areas with higher densities of berries and apparently consumed a relatively large percentage of the crowberry crop, we could not detect an effect of annual variation in berry abundance on rates of fattening. Berries may have provided relatively little metabolizable biomass due to their high (90 %) water content. However, consumption of crowberries may provide geese with other physiological benefits such as water for osmoregulation or antioxidants and fatty acids that contribute to metabolic performance during migration.

Evidence that Life History Characteristics of Wild Birds Influence Infection and Exposure to Influenza A Viruses

We report on life history characteristics, temporal, and age-related effects influencing the frequency of occurrence of avian influenza (AI) viruses in four species of migratory geese breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Emperor geese (Chen canagica), cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii), greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), and black brant (Branta bernicla), were all tested for active infection of AI viruses upon arrival in early May, during nesting in June, and while molting in July and August, 2006–2010 (n = 14,323). Additionally, prior exposure to AI viruses was assessed via prevalence of antibodies from sera samples collected during late summer in 2009 and 2010. Results suggest that geese are uncommonly infected by low pathogenic AI viruses while in Alaska. The percent of birds actively shedding AI viruses varied annually, and was highest in 2006 and 2010 (1–3%) and lowest in 2007, 2008, and 2009 (<0.70%). Contrary to findings in ducks, the highest incidence of infected birds was in late spring when birds first arrived from staging and wintering areas. Despite low prevalence, most geese were previously exposed to AI viruses, as indicated by high levels of seroprevalence during late summer (47%–96% across species; n = 541). Seroprevalence was >95% for emperor geese, a species that spends part of its life cycle in Asia and is endemic to Alaska and the Bering Sea region, compared to 40–60% for the other three species, whose entire life cycles are within the western hemisphere. Birds <45 days of age showed little past exposure to AI viruses, although antibodies were detected in samples from 5-week old birds in 2009. Seroprevalence of known age black brant revealed that no birds <4 years old had seroconverted, compared to 49% of birds ≥4 years of age.

A review of episodes of zinc phosphide toxicosis in wild geese (Branta spp.) in Oregon (2004–2011)

Epizootic mortality in several geese species, including cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis), has been recognized in the Willamette Valley of Oregon for over a decade. Birds are generally found dead on a body of water or are occasionally observed displaying neurologic clinical signs such as an inability to raise or control the head prior to death. Investigation of these epizootic mortality events has revealed the etiology to be accidental poisoning with the rodenticide zinc phosphide (Zn(3)P(2)). Gross and histologic changes are restricted to acute pulmonary congestion and edema, sometimes accompanied by distension of the upper alimentary tract by fresh grass. Geese are unusually susceptible to this pesticide; when combined with an epidemiologic confluence of depredation of specific agricultural crops by rodents and seasonal avian migration pathways, epizootic toxicosis may occur. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, appropriate sample collection and handling, plus specific test calibration for this toxicant. Interagency cooperation, education of farmers regarding pesticide use, and enforcement of regulations has been successful in greatly decreasing these mortality events since 2009.

Genetic and archaeological evidence for a former breeding population of Aleutian Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia) on Adak Island, central Aleutians, Alaska

Many well-preserved bones of medium-sized goose have been recovered from the Zeto Point archaeological site (ADK-011) on Adak Island in the central Aleutians, Alaska, that date to ca. 170–415 years before present based on conventional radiometric dates of the deposits. This prehistoric sample includes remains of adults and unfledged goslings that defied confident identification based on osteological criteria. While the presence of newborns indicates that Adak was a breeding ground, which species was doing the nesting remained uncertain. Of the five species of medium-sized goose (order Anseriformes, family Anatidae) known or presumed to visit Adak Island, three are rarely sighted. The only common visitor is the Emperor Goose ( Chen canagica (Sevastianov, 1802)). The Aleutian Cackling Goose ( Branta hutchinsii leucopareia (Brandt, 1836)) breeds elsewhere in the Aleutians but does not currently breed on Adak Island and there are no records of it nesting there in the past. Here DNA sequences from portions of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene and the control region (CR) of the mitochondrial genome were recovered from 28 of 29 Adak prehistoric goose remains. All adult specimens identified to species were either C. canagica or B. h. leuopareia, but all specifically identified juvenile specimens were B. h. leuopareia. The results demonstrate that Adak Island was a breeding ground of the Aleutian Cackling Goose prior to European contact.