Is it possible to crossbreed birds

Hybridization most commonly occurs between closely related species, but occasionally it happens between birds of different genera that have evolved separately for millions of years. Quick reminder: Genus is the taxonomic classification level just above species. Animals have to be in the same family the level above a genus to hybridize, The New York Times reports. Some hybrids fare better than others.

Even if the mix is healthy and lives to adulthood, it may not be able to produce offspring similar to when when horses and donkeys mate—their mule offspring are most often sterile.

These two hybrids are relatively common and found throughout the eastern United States. Dominic Sherony. Different species of pheasants have long been known to mate, and there are even instances of pheasants and chickens reproducing. Below is a picture of two specimens of crosses between pheasants and domestic chickens which are in the same family, Phasianidae.

The jury is out on whether they would taste like chicken. View all in be generous. Can Different Bird Species Breed? Q: I have a lovebird, and she just laid two eggs. A: Breeding with another species can and often does occur. Your dog may be right there with you; ready to leap into the first body of water it can find.

Related Posts. Veterinarians and other bird experts explain why these top 10 breeds A Look At Canaries Finches and canaries are hardy, easy-to-care-for pet birds that will warm your heart with their chirps and their colors and Looking for a feathered friend that? However, they have some traits in common when it comes to mating systems. Typically in both families the females wear cryptic camouflage while the males, adorned with colorful plumes, put on elaborate courtship displays to attract attention from mates.

If not shown enough interest, the males in both species might aggressively pursue the females. Also, neither of these families is known for responsible fatherhood. Hummingbirds form no pair bonds at all—they mate and then split, and the male goes looking for another date.

Male ducks typically remain with their mates until about the start of incubation, but often they actively pursue other females on the side. It isn't totally clear why these traits should lead to more frequent hybridization, but these two groups are famous for their variety of mash-ups.

Knowing these patterns—gaudy and promiscuous males, females that function as single moms—we can look around for other avian groups that fit the profile. The birds-of-paradise of New Guinea, which have unbelievably colorful, ornate males, also produce a variety of odd hybrids. In gulls, we get a different phenomenon.

But among the larger gulls, every combination seems to be on the table. Numerous other examples appear all around the northern latitudes.