Birding/bird mating

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Expert: - 4/25/2010


Question
Can Birds of different species mate, like Cardinals and sparrows?

Answer
No. The definition of species means that they are genetically different and will not be able to produce viable offspring. There are a few minor exceptions. A few species of ducks can interbreed, but this is unusual.

P.S. I saw your ratings and wonder why you gave me the ratings you did. Did I not answer your question? And I answered it very promptly, yet you gave me an 8 on that. Can you clarify?

Birding

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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