ML610144029

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Of everything on this list, the concept of CACG x CANG hybrids should be approached with the most caution and respect. Although hybrids are a known occurrence, the nature and extent of their range and morphology are the big unknown. There is an understanding on principle alone that without DNA, hybrids are not truly identifiable in the wild. One can be 99%, but not 100%. Whether this is true or not will depend on future research in this ripe field. From the ever-fertile mind of Steve Mlodinow: "There is a sizable hybrid zone on the west side of Hudson Bay that is long-standing and an individual's phenotype does not always match its genotype, so that hybrids can look "pure". It is not hard to imagine a CANG x CACG looking great for CACG, only big. Or it could be a large CACG. There may not be a solution without using genes. So, CACG/CANG in eBird". Here is one of each kind. That is to say, bird #1 is phenotypically Richy, but very big and with a high pitched CANG-sounding call. Bird #2 is as close to a perfectly intermediate hybrid CANG x Richardson's CACG in appearance you will see. Maybe I should've pocketed some of their turd. Bird #1 is a hair smaller than the average CANG, but with a small bill not deep-based or triangular enough for Taverner's. The head often appears rounded like a Tav when the bird is upright, but returns to a more square shape when the bird is relaxed. All these traits, and the broad white cheek with no gular stripe, are good for Richy. However, the bird's size made it the most interesting bird to me throughout our duration at the pond, and we waited forever for it to call. When it did, it didn't sound very wrong for a CANG, aside from a slightly higher tone; only able to record a single call note. Richardson's CACG x CANG is the simplest and most sound explanation. Bird #2 I only photographed right at the beginning, after which I was distracted by everything else and forgot to refind it (there's always one of those). I regretted not following up with it immediately after, since this bird looks like a perfect hybrid. Just about everything is intermediate on this bird, including but not limited to the overall lankiness, head and bill shape, neck length, and neck ring. Those consulted were helpful in confirming that ID.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS R7

ISO

500

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/1000 sec

Dimensions

4860 pixels x 3805 pixels

Original file size

2.33 MB