Greylag Goose x Cackling Goose

presumed Greylag Goose x Cackling Goose hybrid, Simrishamn (Sweden), 12th September 2009 - copyright Carl Gunnar Gustavsson

(photo ID: 0966)

This bird closely resembled Greylag Goose x Canada Goose hybrids in plumage, but the size and structure differ.  In an earlier draft I had commented on the white speckling on the neck but failed to notice the subtle difference between this pattern and the pattern seen on some domestic Greylag x Canada Geese.  Joern has responded, supported by Carl Gunnar, to say that the pattern on this bird here is different.  Here we see pale-tipped neck feathers on the side of the neck - different from the pattern sometimes seen on domestic Greylag x Canada Goose hybrids where whole feathers are white (e.g. photo ID 0612 on the domestic Greylag x Canada Goose page).


(See also: Greylag Goose x Canada Goose)

presumed Greylag Goose x Cackling Goose hybrid, Simrishamn (Sweden), 12th September 2009 - copyright Carl Gunnar Gustavsson

(photo IDs: 0967-0968)

The very small size is apparent in the next photo:

presumed Greylag Goose x Cackling Goose hybrid, Simrishamn (Sweden), 12th September 2009 - copyright Carl Gunnar Gustavsson

(photo ID: 0951)

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii