We have exactly the same situation in Canberra, where the Little Corella has
become abundant recently. It has reached 12th most common species in the
most recent compiled years Garden Bird Survey (2012/13), from being almost
non occurring here until 1988. With small numbers of Long-billed Corellas
and, going by appearances and some observed behaviours, some very likely
hybrids. Whether any hybrids are of domestic origin is unknown (somewhat
likely maybe but generally not often suggested). It seems odd that
"aviculture literature, however, refers to hybridisation between long-billed
corellas and galahs (or Major Mitchell cockatoos) to enhance colouring;
hybridisation with little corellas is not mentioned." I strongly suspect
that is simply a reflection of the interests of the authors or what they
might be attempting to achieve or what they think hobbyists might like to
know about, rather than any lesser likelihood or occurrence of hybridisation
between corellas.
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From: Birding-Aus On Behalf Of
Simon Robinson
Sent: Wednesday, 25 June 2014 2:29 PM
To:
Cc: Peter Dewey
Subject: More hybrids - corellas this time
There is a large flock of little corellas that squawks around the Southern
Highlands of NSW. Amongst them are a few long-billed corellas. In addition
there are a few individuals with intermediate length bills of various sizes
and some colour variations (including pink). Peter Dewey and I are wondering
if these are hybrids between the little and long-billed corellas. The only
peer reviewed reference we can find is (Ford, J (1985) Emu 85, 163-180) who
did not find evidence of such hybridisation, but considered that the
long-billed corella was still evolving. The aviculture literature, however,
refers to hybridisation between long-billed corellas and galahs (or Major
Mitchell cockatoos) to enhance colouring; hybridisation with little corellas
is not mentioned. In the Southern Highlands flock, are we seeing (a)
hybridisation between little and long-billed corellas, (b) hybridisation
between long-billed corellas and galahs (occasional pink colouration
suggests this), or (c) a morphological range in the genetically unstable
long-billed corellas (not all the intermediate billed individuals show pink
colouration). Or all or some of the above! We'd appreciate comments and
discussion!
Simon R Robinson
BUNDANOON NSW 2578
Phone:+61 2 4883 7186| Mobile: 0412 252 177
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