Scientists Discover First Known Hybrid Bird Species In The Amazon Rainforest

Hybrid species among vertebrates are exceedingly rare. Scientists have discovered the first known hybrid bird species to be found in the Amazon rainforest - a golden-crowned manakin (Lepidothrix vilasboasi) with yellow feathers.

Through a series of genetic and other tests researchers found that the golden-crowned manakin - first discovered in Brazil in 1957 but not seen again until 2002 - is in fact a hybrid species. "While hybrid plant species are very common, hybrid species among vertebrates are exceedingly rare," said Jason Weir, from University of Toronto in Canada.