Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla x Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis hybrid

Brent Geese are one of the regular carrier species for vagrant Red-breasted Geese in western Europe so the occasional hybrid is not entirely surprising, although they do appear to be rare (as are any Brent x non-Brent hybrids). They are a very dark hybrid and, like Barnacle Goose x Red-breasted Goose hybrids, the distinctive pattern of Red-breasted Goose is almost completely lost.

Unfortunately as I was watching this from a safe distance to avoid disturbing it, gradually getting closer, a dog-walker passed me and flushed the whole flock off to a much more distant field.

Dark-bellied Brent Goose x Red-breasted Goose hybrid with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Oare Marshes (Kent, UK), 26th December 2012

For comparison, here are photos of the parent species.

Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Wells (Norfolk, UK), 14th February 2012 and captive Red-breasted Goose, Martin Mere (Lancashire, UK), 26th December 2014

For more photos of these taxa follow the links below:

• Dark-bellied Brent Goose
• Red-breasted Goose