Natural Hybridization between a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and a Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) in Japan

作者：Mashiko Miyuki^*; Fujioka Masahiro; Moriya Kimiyuki; Hagimoto Taichi; Yamaguchi Masumi; Toquenaga Yukihiko

来源：Waterbirds, 2012, 35(1): 160-163.

DOI：10.1675/063.035.0117

• heronry
• intergeneric hybridization
• irregular species
• video recording

Reports of hybridization among herons are not uncommon but usually document interbreeding within genera and in captivity. An inter-generic hybrid pairing between a male Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and a female Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) was video-recorded in a mixed-species heronry in Japan. In June 2010, nest-building behavior and copulation by the interspecific pair were observed. In August 2010, a juvenile possessing intermediate characteristics of the two species was fed by the female Chinese Pond Heron. These observations indicated that a fertile intergeneric hybridization occurred between the two species. The Chinese Pond Heron is an irregular visitor to Japan, but has been recorded more often in recent years. A rare species such as the Chinese Pond Heron might choose heterospecific mates rather than abandoning all chances of reproduction. Received 2 October 2011, accepted 10 December 2077.

• 出版日期2012-3