Abstract
We present molecular evidence for a hybrid between Reed and Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus × A. palustris) from south-eastern Norway. The hybrid was a male and was shown to have a Reed Warbler mother and a Marsh Warbler father. Biometric measurements were intermediate between parent species, and the hybrid sang a mixed song, which in our sample was dominated by Marsh Warbler like sections. The hybrid was only seen sitting in reed, and hence, to our knowledge the habitat was most similar to that of Reed Warblers. We propose that documentation of song and habitat of hybrids for which maternal and paternal species are known is valuable for testing hypotheses concerning development of song and habitat selection.
Highlights
Recent developments in molecular methodology allow confident identification of hybrids as well as the maternal and paternal species in birds (Hebert et al 2004, Beier et al 1997, Hansson et al 2003, Hansson et al 2004, Lifjeld et al 2010)
We sequenced the first part of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene which is the marker used in DNA barcoding in birds (Kerr et al 2007)
The bird was confirmed to be a hybrid between Marsh Warbler and Reed Warbler
Summary
Recent developments in molecular methodology allow confident identification of hybrids as well as the maternal and paternal species in birds (Hebert et al 2004, Beier et al 1997, Hansson et al 2003, Hansson et al 2004, Lifjeld et al 2010). Hybridization between Acrocephalus species has been documented for several combinations of species, in many cases with information on maternal and paternal species (Koskimies 1980, 1984, Beier et al 1997, Hansson et al 2003, 2004, Lindholm et al 2007, Lifjeld et al 2010). These cases seem to comprise a large proportion of all studies which have identified maternal and paternal species of bird hybrids, and Acrocephalus hybrids may provide a model system for studies of hybrid ecology
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