Falcon (hybrid)

Falco sp.

Description:

A falcon hybrid shown by Mr. Kent Knowles, president of The Raptor Conservancy of Virginia (RCV). According to Mr. Knowles, "The falcon hybrid is very likely part Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and part Merlin (Falco columbarius), a much smaller falcon species. This is the consensus opinion of a number of biologists and very experienced falconers. However, I cannot be sure without a [cost-prohibitive] DNA analysis. The gender of the hybrid falcon is unknown. Being a hybrid, there is no weight scale for his 'species.' I suspect he is a male by his behavior, but I cannot be sure without DNA analysis." The falcon was one of several birds featured in a raptor demonstration at the Belle Haven picnic area, Fairfax County, Virginia USA. The event was hosted by Friends of Dyke Marsh, National Park Service, and The Raptor Conservancy of Virginia. Related Resource: Friends of Dyke Marsh http://www.fodm.org/

Habitat:

The Raptor Conservancy of Virginia. This "teaching bird" is a hybrid. Hybrid birds cannot be released to the wild, as per federal regulation, plus the bird has a human imprint that is not reversible and precludes release. Related Resource: http://www.raptorsva.org

Notes:

Species ID Suggestions

11 Comments

Marsya Christyanti 11 years ago

I typed "species", put apostrophes, just to emphasize that it is not actually a species (because it is a hybrid) lol.
About my question, if we continue hybrid them, and maybe somehow get a fertile hybrid that can breed each other and produce fertile offsprings, can it be domestication since we dont release them to the wild?

ChristyHolland 11 years ago

Very pretty bird...wrong, but beautiful!! ;-) These are educational ambassadors...different from falconry birds - doesn't look like any of the birds flew? Typically, a falconry bird needs to stay hungry and dependent on the handler in order for it to come back. Many are kept thin just for this purpose. I do know there ARE a few falconers that do things a bit more ethically. Faloners are allowed to take chicks from the nest in many places, and they grow up very dependent, and not knowing much differently. (Walter, your pics are really get me talking!!) ;-)

AnnaWhipkey 11 years ago

Marsya, a hybrid is not a new species. If you take 2 hybrid organisms and mate them the offspring will not be identical to the parents, that is, they will not breed true to type. I suspect this hybrid bird would not be any more tame, or domesticated than the parents.

Geodialist, am curious as to whether this hybrid bird was the result of a mating of wild or captive birds.

keithp2012 11 years ago

What I never got about falconry what stops the bird from flying away for good, even domesticated animals decide to take off sometimes especially if the falcon sees a prey animal nearby. Cool hybrid though!

Geodialist 11 years ago

Would you please clarify your question, Marsya? (I'm not certain what you're asking so I'm unsure how to respond.)

Geodialist 11 years ago

My sincere thanks to everyone for their kind words! The RCV treats its birds with respect and kindness; in turn, the birds were great ambassadors for their respective species in particular and raptors in general. I learned a lot about raptors during the engaging two-hour demonstration that was *free* and open to the public!