I saw a dead goose(?) in the upper penninsula of Michigan this fall. It looked like a canada goose, with high contrast between the dark and light coloration. It was just slightly larger than a mallard duck. What kind of bird is it?

Arty,
Probably a Cackler. I've shot a number of them in Alberta and they are about the size you describe. Don't really remember any difference in coloring but it could be. There is also a variety called the Dusky which is darker overall but shouldn't be that small. Most likely it was a Cackler.

NoCAL

Lesser canada goose.....Little pigmys arn't they.

Urdubob