birding-aus

species definition

To: Birding-Aus <>
Subject: species definition
From: Robert Quinan <>
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 16:52:40 +1000
Hi all.
I noticed in the new Pizzey and Knight guide (thanks to that person for
the tip on Big W) that the Grey Teal hybridizes with the PBD and
Chestnut Teal.  When I mentioned this to a friend he said that the 3
birds must be the same species.
We talked about the definition for species but couldn't come to an
agreement.

What definition for species is used in the taxonomy of birds?

Are the offspring of such matings mules or are they viable?

If they are not mules, how can the three birds be considered separate
species?

I hope someone can help me here as I have virtually no knowledge in this
area..

Please note, this is just to satisfy my curiosity and confusion.

TIA.
--
Rob Quinan

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