Response to “Discovery of a possible hybrid of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti and Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Aves: Strigiformes) from northern Maharashtra, India” by Pande et al.

Abstract

The recently published article by Pande et al. (2011) in the JoTT explores speculation on natural hybridization between two closely-related species of owlets using behavioural and phenotypic data. I am left unconvinced by the data presented to verify the hybridization. It is interesting to read that the authors observed a family of owlets with “intermediate” plumages, behaviours and vocalizations defending the territory with a recently fledged young owlet, concluding that it was a fertile hybrid of the two species. A rather too brief description on plumage and behaviour has been given along with a comparison of vocalization duration but no information at all on “intermediate” vocalizations. Given that the call of both Forest Owlet and Spotted Owlet is very distinctive, it would be useful to know the “intermediate” call of the observed family. In addition, the Forest Owlet’s call varies during the breeding season, especially when accompanied by a juvenile and is described in detail by Ishtiaq & Rahmani (2005). The “intermediate” vocalization mentioned however