ML610844203

Age and sex

Juvenile, Unknown sex - 1

Behaviors

Flying

Observation details

***MEGA; continuing first state record (and one of very few records in general for this hybrid). Found on Nov 4, 2023 by the Paskamansett Bird Club. Superficial similarity to juvenile pure SNGO and the rough back feathers with a scalloped look seem to indicate that this is a juvenile bird. Dusky brown cap that extends to about the bottom of the eye and continues down the nape. Some lighter feathers around the eye itself, sooty brown wash around lores and cheek. Small black bill slightly more elongate than that of BRAN, bill base indented in a triangular shape, legs dingy yellowish-green. Ring of ruffled feathers around the upper neck as on BRAN, though pale gray in color as on SNGO. Flight feathers mostly black, secondary coverts dull chocolate in centers with somewhat broad white edges, primary coverts like secondary coverts though with less white. Scapulars dull chocolatey at centers with warmer buffy edges. Rump silvery gray at base that fades into white as it approaches the uppertail coverts. White uppertail and undertail coverts, white belly, pale grayish flanks. Rectrices white with with black on the outer edge of most and possibly a few towards the center that are more striped? Size and structure seemed mostly Brant-like. It appeared to dabble in the water several times as I’ve seen BRAN do and/or wash its face. It took a bath once or twice, preened frequently (as did the BRAN around it), and took off once with part of the flock only to circle back soon after. Other parts of the flock that did not include the hybrid did this a few times as well seemingly unprompted. From examples I've seen, it seems SNGO x BRAN are considerably variable. Examples of two different juvenile birds can be found at the top of this page, as well as some adults that look pretty different to the New York birds. This individual has become the most well-documented juvenile SNGO x BRAN that I'm aware of. Also see Marshall's and Sam's lists. Gorgeous bird that I’m thrilled I was able to see. If this bird ends up returning annually like the New York birds I’m excited to see what it looks like as an adult.

Additional species

• Brant (Atlantic) Branta bernicla hrota

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

ISO

500

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/640 sec

Dimensions

2550 pixels x 1700 pixels

Original file size

648.14 KB