STGF the Count

[gomer]

Yes Case where they are both found, they seem to group together.

[GregH]

There are a number of references to hybrid Lonchura castaneothorax x L. flaviprymna (see CSIROs Atlas of Living Australia or Avibase). Unfortunately I can't find an actual picture but it fits with the old adage "never keep/house mixed munia species together". I did find a karyotyping for the two species and they are identical but it's the genes more than the chromosomes that we worry about them sharing. According to a reference on the Internet Bird Collection 10% of yellow-rump nests in the wild are paired with chestnuts! Of course if you are in Queensland then "It is an offence to knowingly breed a hybrid or mutation of a protected animal" (see Dept of Environment and Heritage's Guide To Keeping Wildlife Privately In Queensland)

[Myzomela]

What a pity they don't actually enforce the law, given the number of hybrid lorikeets/rosellas/cockatoos offered for sale in QLD.
Victoria has the same law but enforcement is also lacking there.
NSW? They haven't even bothered to prohibit deliberate hybridisation. Instead they "frown" on it! Hence, NSW proudly wears the mantle of Australia's hybrid capital- congratulations !!!

Lucky that cynical sarcasm is not within my nature.

[gomer]

I would think the difference Greg in the wild. Is that they have a choice of either their own kind. Or if there was a huge difference in sexual distribution then hybridization would be possible.

But in a flock of mixed birds would the unpartnered birds be busy trying to steal another pairs partner ? Or perhaps cheat to insure their own genes are passed on ? Where as in a aviary situation if there is only one of each specie then they have no option.

Its good that you have pointed out this possibility though.It makes an awareness of this being possible in a aviary situation.

[SamDavis]

Good to hear wild birds are upholding state hybrid laws - they must be more scared of the rangers than some aviculturists!

[arthur]

Can remember reading . . but not where . . and was long ago

That the greatest threat to the Yellowrump in the wild was of being absorbed into the Chestnut-breasted population by way of hybridisation

This does not seem to be happening if flocks containing both species do not also contain recognisable hybrids




And on munia hybrids when I was a beginner I bred by accident, a YR x WH Nun . . ugliest finch ever seen and looked like neither parent

Soon put a stop to that nonsense, not through any high moral outrage . . but because in the early '70s Yellowrumps were like hens' teeth . . and priced accordingly

[casehulsebosch]

I can feel a new PhD study coming on.

wonder is Sarah has enough funding at her faculty.

Cheers, Case, Perth.

[Craig52]

I can feel a new PhD study coming on.

wonder is Sarah has enough funding at her faculty.

Cheers, Case, Perth.

ARH HA,Case you might be on to some thing there,they can do something that is real,bugger the crimson finches. Craig

[mickw]

Ahh but Craig, how much money would flow "from industry" to fund a PhD on that?............There are hundreds of "industry" who want to make $250 a pair for ever with no losses

Anyway, I already know the answer to those questions, and more.....

Trapping, egg collecting and Inappropriate fire regimes

Its in every paper, every Species Recovery Plan.........Must be true

[firetail555]

I don't care what species they do studies on. Any work on FINCHES is a bonus. They usually work on parrots or water birds that are easier to see and catch.
Just accept what we can get, and use it to our best advantage. It doesnt matter whether you agree with the results or not, at least it is bringing some focus onto finches and surely we can gain some positive knowledge from the process with the Crimsons that can be used in aviculture and/or other species.
David