Lesser White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose

possible Lesser White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose hybrid, Rowntree Park, York (North Yorkshire, UK), 11th September 2010 - copyright Mark Coates

(photo ID: 2100)

We aren't sure what this hybrid is.  It looks superficially similar to Greylag x Canada Goose hybrids, but isn't quite right.  The plumage is darker - though some domestic goose x Canada Goose hybrids can be similar in this respect.  It's the shortness of the bill and head shape that really seems at odds with Greylag x Canada though - and with domestic goose x Canada.  These features make us wonder if Lesser White-fronted Goose and/or Cackling Goose might be involved.  The neck seems too long for both and the bird, though significantly smaller than Canada Geese, was probably not small enough for both together either.  Lesser White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose seems plausible, though it seems that this hybrid may typically show much more white on the head.

 possible Lesser White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose hybrid (same bird as in photo ID 2100 above), Rowntree Park, York (North Yorkshire, UK), 11th September 2010 - copyright Mark Coates

(photo ID: 2101)

possible Lesser White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose hybrid (same bird as in photo IDs 2100-2101 above), Rowntree Park, York (North Yorkshire, UK), 14th September 2010 - copyright Mark Coates

(photo ID: 2102)

Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus
Canada Goose Branta canadensis