The Anseriformes are one of the most diverse orders of
birds and as such seem to be more prone to hybridisation, which is very common. This may be due to recent
divergence of many species, or to the fact that many males are aggresive maters. Most taxa have some records
of hybridisation, although a few, such as Harlequin, have remained totally free, even in captivity. This of
course, causes identification problems. Most are obvious but some are almost identical to one or other of
the species involved, especially as many offspring are fertile. The photos here are a red-breasted goose hybrid
(other parent unknown) which is quite rare, an unknown wigeon cross, (wigeons hybridise frequently but usually
with American Wigeon) and a Brent x Barnacle, which has become commoner as feral Barnacles have increased.
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