832 ‘THE WHITE-CHEEKED GOOSE., 
No. 335. 
WHITE-CHEEKED GOOSE. 
A. O. U. No. 172b. Branta canadensis occidentalis (laird). 
Synonyms.—Larcer Wuite-cHrekep Goose. Paciric Goosk. WESTERN 
Canapa Goose. Honker. 
Description.—Similar to B. canadensis, but coloration darker, especially on 
underparts,—deep grayish brown abruptly defined against white of crissum; 
white half-collar at base of black on neck usually more distinct; white cheek- 
patches usually separated by black stripe, or at least black mottling, on central 
line of throat—shading into type by insensible gradations. Length about 35.00 
(889); wing 16.50-18.00 (419.1-457.2) ; bill 1.60 (40.6) ; tarsus 3.20 (81.3). 
Recognition Marks.—As in B. canadensis; darker. 
General Range.—l’acific Coast district, breeding from British Columbia to 
Sitka; south in-winter to California. 
Range in Washington.—Not common winter resident and migrant on 
Puget Sound; relative abundance as compared with B. canadensis undetermined. 
Authorities.—Bernicla leucopareia Cassin; also B. occidentalis (proposed) 
Baird, Baird, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv. IX. 1858, p. 766. C&S. Rh. D'? Kk. 
B. E(H). 
ON the strength of a group of domesticated geese raised from eggs 
found on an island in the Okanogan River, I have numerously reported® the 
Canada Geese of Okanogan County as belonging to this subspecies. It may 
be that they do, but in the absence of specimens I prefer to regard all East- 
side birds as presumptive canadensis and to restrict occidentalis to the north- 
west coast district, which it exclusively occupies in summer. 
Previous to the complete occupation of the Puget Sound region by the 
white man, Geese nested to some extent on the shores of the prairie lakes 
in Pierce County and elsewhere. There are no recent records, however, and 
the White-cheeked Goose of today would appear to be limited to the northern 
portion of its breeding range in British Columbia. This “saturated” form is 
not strongly established, and it may be only a question of time before its 
ultimate disappearance. 
a. Auk, Vol. XIV., Apr. 1897, p. 172, ete. 
