The first case of a successful brood from a double hybrid mixed pair (Dendrocopos syriacus × Dendrocopos major (Picidae))

Abstract

Hybridization occurs between numerous bird species, with some of them capable of producing backcrosses. However, little information is available concerning mating between pairs of hybrids. In this case study, a mixed pairing is reported between hybrids of Syrian and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Dendrocopos syriacus and Dendrocopos major, respectively. Mixed phenotypic and genotypic traits were found in the male, the female and their offspring. The possible consequences of hybridization and its effect on the Syrian Woodpecker, which is protected under the Bird Directive of the European Union, are discussed.

A review of co-occurrence and hybridization as neglected factors in studies of Syrian WoodpeckerDendrocopos syriacusand Great Spotted WoodpeckerDendrocopos major

“…Finally, it was proved that two hybrids (so-called "backcrosses") are also able to mate and successfully produce offspring (Kajtoch & Kusal 2022). All of the above strongly suggests that the hybridization of SW and GW is not an uncommon phenomenon, particularly at the edges of the SW range.…”

“…Such research mainly describes habitat requirements Figarski & Kajtoch 2018;Michałczuk et al 2018), with some on population dynamics (Listopadski 2016;Askeyev et al 2020;Kajtoch & Kusal 2023) and diet (Marisova 1965;Winkler 1973;Czyż & Celiński 2012). Some studies detailed mixed pairs (Bacani 1998;Dudzik & Polakowski 2011;Figarski & Kajtoch 2018) or hybrids (Krotoski, Lontkowski & Przyszlak 1986;Harrop 2005, Kajtoch & Kusal 2022. Some reports (Lorek & Durczynska 1992;Ganitsky 2018;Moskvichev 2020) and summaries (Keve 1956;Zavialov, Tabachishin & Mosolova 2008;Sokolov 2020) focused on SW range expansion but also mentioned GW.…”

“…In most studies population densities of these woodpeckers were presented (Hubálek 1999;Kajtoch & Figarski 2017). Three molecular studies cited both species and their hybrid genomes (Michałczuk et al 2014;Gurgul et al 2019;Kajtoch & Kusal 2022).…”

“…Michałczuk Kajtoch & Figarski 2017). Three molecular studies cited both species and their hybrid genomes (Michałczuk et al 2014;Gurgul et al 2019;Kajtoch & Kusal 2022).…”

“…Hence, our understanding of their biology is crucial for proper environmental management and conservation plans and projects. Among the European woodpecker species which occur in "secondary habitats", in urban, suburban and rural environments, particular interest has arisen around two closely related species -Great Spotted Woodpecker (GW) and Syrian Woodpecker (SW), as they are often sympatric in occurrence and are known to compete but at the same time will form mixed pairs and produce viable and fertile offspring (Gorman 1999;Dudzik & Polakowski 2011;Kajtoch & Kusal 2022). These two species are members of a taxonomic complex that includes Sind (D. assimilis), White-winged (D. leucopterus), Himalayan (D. himalayensis), and Darjeeling (D. darjellensis) woodpeckers, which occur outside Europe in central and/or southern Asia.…”