Genetic evidence supports boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) x black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) hybridization in Atlantic Canada
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Date
2012
Authors
Lait, Linda Amy
Lauff, Randolph F.
Burg, Theresa M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
Abstract
Both morphological and genetic evidence support a hybridization event between a Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)
and a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) in Atlantic Canada. Plumage of the hybrid was intermediate to both
parental species, with buffy sides and a dark brown cap on the head. Mitochondrial DNA control region showed the female
lineage to be from a Boreal Chickadee, while Z-linked markers showed mixed Boreal Chickadee × Black-capped Chickadee
heritage, likely representing an F1 hybrid. This is the first documented case of hybridization between these species in eastern
North America, and it adds to the increasing evidence supporting intrageneric avian hybridization.
Description
Open access (from publisher website)
Keywords
Poecile hudsonicus , Boreal chickadee , Poecile atricapillus , Black-capped chickadee , Hybridization , Mitochondrial DNA , Z chromosomes , Nuclear introns , Nova Scotia , Atlantic Canada
Citation
Lait, L.A., Lauff, R.F., & Burg, T.M. (2012). Genetic evidence supports boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) x black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) hybridization in Atlantic Canada. Canadian Field Naturalist, 126(2), 143-147.