X Dark-bellied Brent
One of the interesting encounters at Holkham, Norfolk last weekend were Black Brant hybrids. A single bird (which was the most Black Brant-like) and a second bird, which was clearly a male, was paired to a female Dark-bellied Brent with single juvenile.
Both hybrids are known to be Black Brant X Dark-bellied Brent as they are returning birds which first appeared as juveniles in hybrid family parties (per James McCallum and Richard Millington).
Is this the first example of a back-cross, 2nd generation hybrid?
Couple photos for now. Thanks to James and Richard for much helpful insight.
male hybrid (Black Brant X Dark-bellied Brent) paired with female Dark-bellied Brent and 2nd gen juvenile. Holkam, Norfolk, January 2013
hybrid (Black Brant X Dark-bellied Brent) an unpaired bird. Holkam, Norfolk, January 2013
Hybrid because of dark marks on dull white flank?
Hi Martin
How has the hybrid been identified as such? Looks good on these photos to me, but obviously it could look different in the flesh. At what point does individual variability stop?
Paul.
Good Q Paul- hopefully will get blog post done on it soon
Look forward to it, thanks!
Hi Martin
Are some of these birds likely to be Siberian race black brants rather than hybrids? They have an uncanny resemblance to birds such as this http://www.netfugl.dk/pictures.php?id=showpicture&picture_id=38417 photographed in Siberia which are recognised as being more contrasting.