Monday 17 February 2014

Greater White-fronted Goose x Greylag Goose

probable Greater White-fronted Goose x Greylag Goose hybrid (with Greylag Geese and Lapwings), Stiffkey Fen (Norfolk, UK), 24th November 2013 - copyright Dave Appleton
(photo ID: 0014)


This hybrid can easily be overlooked, but observers of potential hybrids should be careful to eliminate pure Greylag Goose as these may show white around the base of the bill and some dark barring on the belly.  This bird was very similar to Greylag Goose but apart from its head pattern resembling White-fronted Goose and a few markings on the belly, it showed a subtly narrower pink-orange bill, a distinct white flank line, darker upperwings in flight (although this was only seen in near-darkness, so difficult to assess accurately) and its call was more reminiscent of White-fronted Goose.




probable Greater White-fronted Goose x Greylag Goose hybrid (with Greylag Geese and Lapwings), Stiffkey Fen (Norfolk, UK), 24th November 2013 - copyright Dave Appleton
(photo IDs: 0010-0013)


Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons 
Greylag Goose Anser anser

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