Hybrid Tanager: Blue-gray x Palm? (1 Viewer)

Not sure about genetic ancestry of the bird on the left. Obviously contains Blue-Gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) genes, but black wings are mysterious. I'm guessing they come from Palm Tanager (T. palmarum).

Does anyone know about hybrids of these species?

Peter Bono

pbono said:

Not sure about genetic ancestry of the bird on the left. Obviously contains Blue-Gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) genes, but black wings are mysterious. I'm guessing they come from Palm Tanager (T. palmarum).

Does anyone know about hybrids of these species?

Peter Bono

Click to expand...

I remember doing some research on this a about a year ago and the answer was yes - hybrids do exist.

I saw a very similar bird here in Venezuela and came to the same conclusion as you did.

Just posted a comment on the photo uploaded in the gallery... here it is, basically the same:

I only know of a few reported (and unconfirmed) cases of hybridization between a Blue-grey and a Palm, but of course there could be others I don't know about. Actually, it is a bit surprising given the massive area of overlap and their morphological similarities. Regardless, Palm Tanagers are quite variable (among others, I've seen almost yellowish individuals in Venezuela!) and the dark wing + tail is a certain give away. I'd put my money on it being a pure Palm and doubt it is blue enough to be considered a hybrid (but with the usual hesitation when having to judge hue from a photo).

EDIT: Took a bit of searching, but I knew it was out there:

http://www.geocities.com/secaribbirds/ttmysterytanager.html

Note that it appear distinctly bluer than the bird in this thread, thus giving a clear indication that Blue-grey was involved. Of course it should be metioned that specimens are paler than living individuals.

Furthermore, just found this quote on the Palm Tanager from p. 302 in Ridgely's "Birds of South America" vol. 1:

"One's impression of this bird's overall colour change markedly depending on light, frequently the best mark is its obviously bicolored wing"

Also note the level of racial variation in this widespread species, indeed, individuals on the left side of the Andes (which includes birds in Central America) often are "brighter". Having said all this, it still is important to note that it is somewhat risky trying to judge exact hue of a bird from a photo on a computer screen: The only I am willing to guarantee is that a Palm is involved (due to wings & tail).

After a bit of private correspondence with Peter Bono, it is clear that it had "definite blue tones--as bright as the other Blue-Gray Tanagers in the area" (Peter Bono quote). This observation is far more important than what anyone else can see on their computer screen. Thus, I am changing sides and think this is a Blue-grey X Palm. Reasons why it certainly includes Palm were mentioned in the previous post.