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Thread: Hybrid trumpeter swan?

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    Default Hybrid trumpeter swan?

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    Photographed Sept 22 in the Lamar River in Yellowstone. There was a mature pair of Trumpeters nearby and a group of four juvi's that included this unusual specimen.

    A photographer friend suggested perhaps a mute/trumpeter hybrid.

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    I don't see any characters suggesting a hybrid with anything (Mute Swan or other). Structurally it looks pretty much like its siblings just lacking melanin in the plumage and bill. My initial guess is a rather interesting case of leucism. Great documentation.

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    BPN Member Sandy Witvoet's Avatar
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    Way interesting! I agree with Declan. Great sighting.
    www.mibirdingnetwork.com .... A place for bird and nature lovers in the Great Lakes area.

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    Thanks for the insights. It does look like a trumpeter in every respect except age-color.

    Just for the record, this was actually taken in the Yellowstone river, not Lamar.... long day in Lamar when I posted this.

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