Robyn,
That looks like a typical
Crimson/Eastern
hybrid. As to your following question, that is not so easy. I suggest it depends if the hybrids are fertile and if they then selectively breed with other hybrids. That is unlikely, which makes the situation not very stable. It is not really the case that a
new species arises from hybridisation. I don’t know of documented cases of this, though there may be some. It is suggested that modern humans have hybrid ancestry with Neanderthals, so that could be a contender. It may happen over time but would be unlikely
if both species remain stable. But it would be a backwards process. It is backwards because hybridisation occurs when two different species that have a common ancestor rejoin and start hybridisation.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Robin Eckermann via Canberrabirds
Sent: Monday, 14 August, 2023 10:46 AM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] A hybrid?
Would I be correct in assuming this is a Crimson/Eastern cross?
If so, and (probably a question betraying my ignorance) given there is clearly a level of cross-breeding going on, is there a point at which a new species is recognised?
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Regards ... Robin Eckermann
Phone: 02-6161-6161 (w) 0418-630-555 (m)
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