What is this goose?

[Marnie]

I saw this goose by itself this morning on the Don River near Crothers Woods (Pottery Road area). I checked my field guide and see that the head looks like a barnacle goose's, but it doesn't have the black chest. Is it some kind of hybrid? Sorry, not the greatest picture, but clear enough to see.

[thouc]

It looks like either a miscoloured Canada Goose or a Canada Goose/Domestic Goose hybrid.
The body is Canada Goose, but neck and head have extra white.

/Thomas

[Bruce Colvin]

I agree with Thomas it is a hybrid of some sort, but I also think that Marnie is on the right track. It has a lot of the field marks of a Barnacle goose. It might be a Barnacle / Canada hybrid. But I would guess it is an escapee and has crossed with some sort of other farm goose. There is also the chance of albinism. Would it be possible, Marnie to get some photos from different angles. One thing for sure it isn't typical of any wild North American goose, Bruce

Has anyone notice the three distinct Mallard Hybrids that hang out together at High Park.

[Marnie]

Thanks for the input, guys. Here are a few more pics, if that will help.

[thouc]

Another important difference is the size as the Barnacle Goose is significantly smaller than a Canada Goose, which is hard to judge from the picture, but should be easily seen if there are regular Canada Geese to compare with.

Also the body coloration seems brownish which is typical of Canada Goose, while Barnacle Goose is more grayish.

/Thomas

[Marnie]

Yes, it was definitely Canada-Goose-brownish rather than gray. As for the size, hmm ... there was nothing there to compare it to, but I don't remember noticing anything particular about the size, so probably that was fairly Canada-ish too.

[GStuart]

Might it be a hybrid cross with a Swan Goose?

[Bruce Colvin]

Now this is a mystery. On my computer screen the bird comes up gray with no hint of brown at all. It may just be my monitor. I am really intrigued with this one. I will go and see if I can find it tomorrow. May need to bring in Dr. House to get a diagnosis on this one, Bruce

[Marnie]

It was there this morning with a mate (I presume).







I'm assuming the orange legs indicate some domestic goose in the mix?

[Bruce Colvin]

Hybrids can be quite a puzzle at times. There was a Mallard/ Pintail hybrid at the Reifel Sanctuary in Vancouver, what an incredible sight it was.  I think you nailed your ID, Marnie with the shot of the orangeish legs in your last shot. Birding hybrids and subspecies can be a lot of fun.  I enjoyed both your photos and solving the mystery. Bruce

[Marnie]

Thanks Bruce and everyone else who weighed in!