Originally posted on Avian Hybrids:
How can we explain plumage patterns in white wagtails subspecies? Wagtail taxonomy is a mess. Numerous subspecies have been described based on morphological differences, but they are not supported by genetic data. A recent study in Journal of Evolutionary Biology took another look at several subspecies of the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba). Could they explain the mismatch between plumage and genetics?… Continue reading Probing the Puzzling Plumage Patterns of White Wagtails

Originally posted on Avian Hybrids:
A phylogenetic perspective on the relationships between Wagtail species and subspecies. Ornithologists love to delineate subspecies. One differently colored feather can already trigger a response in the most extreme splitters. But are subspecific divisions always supported by genetic data? Rebecca Harris and her colleagues test this idea for a bird group that has its fair share of subspecies: the Wagtails… Continue reading Are Wagtail subspecies supported by genetic data?

Originally posted on Avian Hybrids:
Hybridizing White Wagtail subspecies are separated by head plumage. The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is one of my favorite bird species to observe. They frantically hop around the lawn occasionally wagging their long tail up and down. This small black-and-white passerine has a wide distribution across Eurasia and is divided into several subspecies. Some subspecies interbreed in narrow contact zones.… Continue reading Watch Your Head: Why White Wagtails Won’t Mix

Originally posted on Avian Hybrids:
How can we explain plumage patterns in white wagtails subspecies? Wagtail taxonomy is a mess. Numerous subspecies have been described based on morphological differences, but they are not supported by genetic data. A recent study in Journal of Evolutionary Biology took another look at several subspecies of the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba). Could they explain the mismatch between plumage and genetics?… Continue reading Probing the Puzzling Plumage Patterns of White Wagtails

Continue reading Hear the Robin’s Intricate Evening Song Slowed Down | Audubon

Originally posted on Our Fine Feathered Friends:
Photo by Bryan Stevens • The male indigo bunting is a resplendent bird. Two recent summer bird counts emphasized some of the more commonplace birds in the region. While American robins and European starlings were extremely abundant, these two birds are permanent residents and are present year-round. A few other summer songbirds also helped swell the ranks of… Continue reading Indigo bunting one of summer’s common songbirds

Continue reading Jose O Rivera on Instagram: “ELAEAGNUS PUNGENS #bonsaiart #bonsaitree #bonsailife #bonsaimirai #bonsaiwork #bonsaigarden #bonsailovers #bonsailove #bonsaimania…”