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Hybrid Geese
It is well-known that waterfowl will freely hybridize, and that is especially true of our two most common geese species. Here are a few fairly regularly-occurring hybrid combinations that you would be likely to encounter in winter flocks of Canada and Snow Geese. If you find any hybrids or potential hybrids, be sure to photograph them! Again, almost any goose combination is possible, but these are the most likely candidates.
Domestic goose X Canada Goose hybrid (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
Domestic Goose X Canada Goose – Sadly, a hybrid between a Canada Goose and some sort of domestic farm goose species is the most likely combination to find in the Northeast. In general, these hybrids resemble a large Canada Goose with a pot belly, saggy rear, and orange legs. They typically show face and bill characteristics of farm geese – with orange bills and fleshy knobs on their foreheads. Domestic X Canada hybrids are highly variable though, and some could resemble Greater White-fronted or Snow X Canada hybrids. Also beware of Canada Geese with plumage abnormalities like partial albinism, etc.
Canada Goose with white head and neck – NOT a hybrid! (Photo by Tim Schreckengost)
Snow X Canada Goose – These hybrid combinations are typically smaller, similar in size to a Snow Goose and often show very intermediate traits between the two species. Compared to similar-looking domestic X Canada hybrids their body’s are more naturally-proportioned, and they have Snow Goose-like faces and bills. More info here.
Snow X Canada Goose hybrid (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
Snow X Ross’s Goose – This hybrid combination is fairly common in large Snow Goose flocks. These are just what they would seem – a nice mixture of Snow and Ross’s Goose traits on an intermediately-sized goose. This combination is highly variable, but show a thin Snow Goose-like grin patch and otherwise display the small, cute factor of a Ross’s Goose. Check out these examples below, and make sure to try and photograph any hybrids you come across. More info here. David Sibley also has an excellent article about IDing Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, and their hybrids at this link.
Ross’s X Snow Goose hybrid among Snow Geese – note the larger size than a pure Ross’s Goose, with less rounded head, and thin black ‘grin patch’ on its bill. (Photo by Alan Kneidel)
Ross’s X Snow Goose hybrid among Snow Geese – note the thin grin black ‘grin patch’ on bill, and rounded bill/face connection (Photo by Alan Kneidel)
Ross’s X Snow Goose hybrid among Snow Geese – this one is very Snow Goose-like, but has a rounded head and smaller bill with purpleish base. (Photo by Alan Kneidel)