Can other birds cross breed (1 Viewer)

[beautypeacock]

I was just wanting to know if Mallards can breed with other types of ducks, can another bird like a finch breed with a different type of finch ? Can it breed with a different type of bird altogether?

 

[Steve G]

Some bird species seem to hybridize easily eg Aytha (diving) ducks, geese & certain game birds for example. Closely related species are more likely to hybridize than are distantly related ones presumably due to genetic compatibility & reproductive behaviour which is "understood" between the two birds. Hybridisation across genera is much less likely & hybridisation between different bird families is even less likely (I think it can happen however as I'm sure I've read about Pheasant/Black Grouse hybrids). I am not aware of any hybridization across orders but perhaps others know otherwise.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

Yes finches do interbreed, particularly in captivity but not exclusively. I remember seeing a picture of a weird looking bird trapped at Heysham, Lancs several years ago which I think from memory was a wild hybrid (Greenfinch x Goldfinch I think).

 

[Colin]

What Steve and Stephen have said is spot on. However, one thing to consider is whether the hybrid result is fertile or not. If not, then when the hybrid dies, that is the end of that particular hybrid line but if the hybrid is fertile as is the case with the Ruddy Duck/ White-headed Duck situation, then the hybrid can successfully mate with either 'species' and produce further hybrids, once removed so to speak. It may be a case of redefining the meaning of the term species in this context but that itself is another story - I have even seen a scientific paper which discusses the definintion of a speces and there are many many definitions.

 

[Steve G]

Extinction by hybridization is a real issue & has already claimed a S. American grebe species (was it the Atitlan grebe??). Such calamities are by definition essentially never natural but always as a result of man's intervention somewhere along the line!! I know the W.H. duck/Ruddy duck issue has already been heavily debated however the following link is worthy of scrutiny:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/directive/birdactionplan/oxyuraleucocephala.htm The research into this action plan was not undertaken lightly & the plan was not formulated over 6 pints of lager & a Vindaloo! It merits careful reading & critical analysis but not judgement from the heart.