Canada Goose with white plumage on its head – view of the left side – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday the sun broke through the heavy clouds for a bit and I went down to the local ponds to see what birds I could find to photograph and while there weren’t that many that were close enough to take high quality images of I did find an unusual Canada Goose.
The Canada Goose was unusual because it had spotted, white plumage on its head and I was able to take photos of both left and right profile views of its head.
Canada Goose with white plumage on its head – view of the right side – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Canada Goose looks normal in every respect except for the white spots on its head which are simply white plumage where normally it is darker. I am not certain whether to call the white spots leucism or just a plumage variation because Canada Geese can and do have white on their foreheads at times, especially in the larger subspecies, but generally the white is more like a narrow band across the forehead rather than the spots this goose exhibits. I lean more towards plumage variation than leucism though.
Sibley Guide To Birds – Second Edition – Canada Geese variants
Whether the white spots are leucism or just a plumage variation I thought this Canada Goose was interesting to see and photograph.
I have photographed other individual Canada Geese that have white speckled plumage on their necks, I may share some of those in the future.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful images! Love these birds…
Hello Mia! I have to let you know that we also have a leucistic Canada Goose here in the south eastern part of BC. Lucy, as she has been named, has been seen on the Kootenay Lake near Nelson. I did get some shots of her in 2018 as well. We also have a crow with white tips on his/her wing feathers. Very interesting to see these uncommon variations. Thank you for sharing your findings & photography, hope you have a happy and healthy 2020!
Interesting, thank-you for sharing. I have also heard of some cross-breeding between Canada Geese and Snow Geese ending up with Canada geese with white speckles or patches.
I had the same thoughts as Wally — my head definitely resembles the goose’s. 🙂
Always happy to see Canada Geese!
What a beauty – and I am smiling at Wally’s comment too.
Interesting article along with your usually outstanding photographs.
I just checked the mirror and, having very similar but more profuse white on my own head – I think I may have solved this mystery for you.
Nice views of the Canada Goose. One thing for sure you will know if you see her more that once. Thanks Mia.
Interesting. If it is leucism, I would have thought that the back and wings of the Canada Goose would have been speckled as well.