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**For information and education purposes only, cross-breeding to create hybrids is not recommended**
Hybridization in lovebirds, from the Agapornis genus.
This genus includes the personata group (AKA eye-ring) (Personatus, / Lilianae / Fischeri / Nigrigenis), the transitional group (Swindernianus and Roseicollis) and the sexually dimorphic group (Taranta, Canus and Pullarius).
A hybrid is created whenever two different species successfully breed. That offspring will not belong to any species and is therefore a hybrid.
Breeding a Roseicollis (Peach faced) with any of the eye-ring species will produce sterile hybrids of intermediate phenotype. This is because the personata group are from an evolutionary line that is quite distant from the Roseicollis.
Respectively, by breeding two eye-ring birds from different species (For example Fischeri x Personatus), fertile offspring will be produced. From there, these hybrids can be bred again with other species as the hybrids now no longer pertain to any species.
This has been exploited by breeders to bring mutations from one species to another. This is called transmutation.
Ever wondered where the Blue Fischeri came from? The Blue mutation was originally only found in Personatus however a Ficheri x Personatus hybrid was created, and then from there bred for generations with only Fischeri until subjects phenotypically undistinguishable from Fischeri were created. Theoretically, these birds cannot be considered genetically pure.
Transmutation leads to a genetic contamination of the species.
Prof. William Dilger carried out studies on Roseicollis x Fischeri hybrids (the hybrids were sterile), here´s a summary of his findings when studying nesting strategies: Lovebird Behavior: Nature or Nurture? | ScienceBlogs
Dilger, William C. “The Behavior of Lovebirds.” Scientific American, vol. 206, no. 1, 1962, pp. 88–99., www.jstor.org/stable/24937198
As much as creating hybrids is not recommended, if you come across a hybrid lovebird in need of a home, there is no reason not to take him/her in and fill their life with love. Just be aware that this bird is a hybrid and if fertile, should not be allowed to reproduce. Also, be mindful of the study by Prof. Dilger.
If you do not know what you are looking for to distinguish which birds are hybrids, this link will be very helpful: Hybrid Lovebirds – The African Lovebird Society of Australia Inc
Here´s a (blog?) post I came across questioning many aspect to hybrids incl. the fertility of Roseicollis hybrids (it is not dated): Hybridization
Further information:
Hybridization
FAQ: How can we differentiate (the hybrid) sable phenotypes and opaline in blue Agapornis fischeri? – Dirk Van den Abeele
Hybridization in lovebirds, from the Agapornis genus.
This genus includes the personata group (AKA eye-ring) (Personatus, / Lilianae / Fischeri / Nigrigenis), the transitional group (Swindernianus and Roseicollis) and the sexually dimorphic group (Taranta, Canus and Pullarius).
A hybrid is created whenever two different species successfully breed. That offspring will not belong to any species and is therefore a hybrid.
Breeding a Roseicollis (Peach faced) with any of the eye-ring species will produce sterile hybrids of intermediate phenotype. This is because the personata group are from an evolutionary line that is quite distant from the Roseicollis.
Respectively, by breeding two eye-ring birds from different species (For example Fischeri x Personatus), fertile offspring will be produced. From there, these hybrids can be bred again with other species as the hybrids now no longer pertain to any species.
This has been exploited by breeders to bring mutations from one species to another. This is called transmutation.
Ever wondered where the Blue Fischeri came from? The Blue mutation was originally only found in Personatus however a Ficheri x Personatus hybrid was created, and then from there bred for generations with only Fischeri until subjects phenotypically undistinguishable from Fischeri were created. Theoretically, these birds cannot be considered genetically pure.
Transmutation leads to a genetic contamination of the species.
Prof. William Dilger carried out studies on Roseicollis x Fischeri hybrids (the hybrids were sterile), here´s a summary of his findings when studying nesting strategies: Lovebird Behavior: Nature or Nurture? | ScienceBlogs
Dilger, William C. “The Behavior of Lovebirds.” Scientific American, vol. 206, no. 1, 1962, pp. 88–99., www.jstor.org/stable/24937198
As much as creating hybrids is not recommended, if you come across a hybrid lovebird in need of a home, there is no reason not to take him/her in and fill their life with love. Just be aware that this bird is a hybrid and if fertile, should not be allowed to reproduce. Also, be mindful of the study by Prof. Dilger.
If you do not know what you are looking for to distinguish which birds are hybrids, this link will be very helpful: Hybrid Lovebirds – The African Lovebird Society of Australia Inc
Here´s a (blog?) post I came across questioning many aspect to hybrids incl. the fertility of Roseicollis hybrids (it is not dated): Hybridization
Further information:
Hybridization
FAQ: How can we differentiate (the hybrid) sable phenotypes and opaline in blue Agapornis fischeri? – Dirk Van den Abeele