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Re: RFI: Hybridization

From:

Nancy Martin

Reply-To:

Nancy Martin

Date:

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 12:58:34 -0400

Hi All,

I am not an expert on the full range of this topic, but I have had a 
long-term interest in bird hybridization, read a lot about it, and 
identified a fair number of hybrids on my own over the years (e.g. a 
wild Wood DuckXMallard). I hope these comments prove helpful.

Hybridization among species is promoted by close genetic relationships 
among species and factors that increase the likelihood of choosing the 
wrong species as a mate. In birds these factors include: 1) insufficient 
differences among mating displays and sounds to discourage mating; 2) a 
low frequency of mates of the correct species where the two species 
co-occur (recall the Western Kingbird in Baltimore trying to hybridize 
with an Eastern); and 3) indiscriminate mating by some males (especially 
true among ducks - but less so among the geese or swans with their firm 
long-term pair-bonds). These are the major reasons why bird hybrids 
happen. Certain bird families are more prone to hybridization. These 
include ducks; large gulls (all very close genetic relatives); warblers; 
and sparrows. Hybridization is rare in some families such as birds of 
prey (interspecies hanky-panky is dangerous); herons; and thrushes. 
Nonetheless exceptions can occur in these groups. For instance I am 
aware of at least a couple instances of Red-tailed and Red-shouldered 
hawk hybrids.

Good birding,

Walter Ellison

Chestertown, MD

Observing Nature is like unwrapping a big pile of presents every time 
you take a walk.

On 6/6/2011 9:15 PM, Janet Millenson wrote:
> A non-birding friend called to ask me about bird hybridization, 
> especially
> what causes it to occur in the wild. Some of you folks undoubtedly know a
> lot about hybrids -- can you recommend any books or articles on the 
> topic?
> Also, how much hybridization was observed by Atlas data collectors?
>
> Thanks for any information.
>
>
> Janet Millenson
> Potomac, MD (Montgomery County)
> 
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