Genetic confirmation of a natural hybrid between a Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and a Cooper’s Hawk (A. cooperii)

Wilson Journal of Ornithology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Although hybrids between captive Accipiter species are known, and hybrids between wild Accipiter species in North America have long been suspected, none have been confirmed to date. However, in 2014, a hatching year Accipiter captured at Cape May, New Jersey, during fall migration, appeared intermediate in size and plumage between a Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and a Cooper's Hawk (A. cooperii), and was suspected to be a hybrid. We used data from mitochondrial and nuclear genes to confirm that the hawk was a hybrid female resulting from a cross between a male Cooper's Hawk and female Northern Goshawk.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Genetic confirmation of a natural hybrid between a Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and a Cooper’s Hawk (A. cooperii)
Series title Wilson Journal of Ornithology
DOI 10.1676/1559-4491-131.4.838
Volume 131
Issue 4
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher BioONE
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center Biology WTEB
Description 7 p.
First page 838
Last page 844
Country United States
State New Jersey
Other Geospatial Cape May
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