Goose hybrid (Snow X ???), Pennsylvania, 7 October (1 Viewer)

[birdmeister]

Hello all,

I saw this goose yesterday among the increasing autumn/winter flock of Canadas at my local reservoir.

My initial thought was Snow x Canada, but I'd appreciate more opinions. Here are my points for and against Snow x Canada:


For:

Very Snow-like head color and shape
Mostly pink bill with at least some dark "grin patch"
More white edging on tertials than Canada
Body length just less than most nearby Canadas

Against:

Appearance of a heavy rear may suggest domestic influence?



Photos:

https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/268970041/480
https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/268970051/480
https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/268970061/480


Hope the links work.

 

[Nutcracker]

Think I'd agree with Snow x Canada; it doesn't look like the usual domesticated Greylag x Canada I see.

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

A bit difficult from the photos, but I think you are right with this ID. structurally it looks ok

white edging on tertials is common in this cross (not all such hybrids show it however)

https://www.pbase.com/image/81463770

https://www.flickr.com/photos/28483866@N05/2669598697/

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DB4uewD2wEw/Uw9Ely56aQI/AAAAAAAABRs/QMQ6gs0o-_A/s1600/1192.jpg

greylag x canada or other anser sp. x canada only show this very little, if at all


cutting edges of the bill should be black and there should be a weak grinning patch, however sometimes nearly invisible.

 

[birdmeister]

Thanks Nutcracker!

Joern, I had hoped you'd comment on this. Thanks very much, and the links were very helpful! I had good views for a bit in the scope, and I also saw the grayish base of the bill at some angles. The images you gave in links 1 and 3 looked identical to my bird in every way, so that was very helpful.