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.

A hybrid species forms when two parental species mate to produce a hybrid population, which then stops being able to freely interbreed with the parental species. In this case the two parents are the snow-capped manakin, named for its bright snowy-white crown feathers, and the opal-crowned manakin, named for its brilliant iridescent crown feathers. Researchers gathered genetic and feather samples over two separate field trips to Brazil.