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.
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.
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.
Way interesting! I agree with Declan. Great sighting.
www.mibirdingnetwork.com .... A place for bird and nature lovers in the Great Lakes area.
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.