White Geese (1 Viewer)

[dvc214]

Hi,

On the canal at Stratford upon Avon, there are Canada Geese and Greylags, but there are also geese that look very like Greylags but are all white with orange beaks. There are also geese that look just like greylags but are partially white. I can't find these in my field guide, is it a genetic defect?

Dave

 

[postcardcv]

The white and partially white geese will be domestic geese that have found their way from someones farm.

 

[dvc214]

How come they're not in any guide? What is the story behind domestic geese?

Dave

 

[postcardcv]

These geese are not listed in your guide book as they are not a 'wild' bird in the UK. Generally field guides only cover wild species and do not have info on escapees, though some are mentioned. Domestic geese are a result of many years of crossing and inbreeding - they mostly came from greylags, though many look little like this.

 

[dvc214]

Interesting thanks.

Dave