Bluebird hybrids: help needed with study

By Aaron Veale
University of Lethbridge

Western bluebird numbers appear to be increasing in southwestern Alberta, which suggests they are expanding their range. As they expand, low starting numbers may force them to breed with the more abundant mountain bluebird and produce hybrids.

This is what’s known as the Desperation hypothesis or Hubb’s principle. Eventually, as western bluebird numbers increase, it has been suggested crossbreeding with mountain bluebirds becomes more rare. Hybrid offspring would be hard to detect in the field and may only be found through genetic testing.

Our project is aimed at looking for first generation hybrids as well as birds that may have hybrid ancestors. To ensure we don’t miss any sample opportunities, we need the help of citizen scientists and bird enthusiasts from within the community.

When cleaning out nest boxes, I ask that you keep an eye out for the following:

• Eggshells – pieces with attached membrane

• Old eggs or deceased chicks – place these in individual sealed zip-lock bags

• Deceased birds – check for a band number on the legs, snip a toe off if you are

  comfortable doing so, put the toe in a ziplock bag. Also take a photo of the bird.

• Feathers – these can be placed in bags or envelopes. The DNA is found at the base of the feather where it is inserted into the body. Handle the feathers from the tip (ie the part furthest from where it enters the bird).

Please keep samples for individual birds separate from one another and label each sample with the approximate coordinates or a description of where the sample was found.

To arrange for a sample to be collected, please contact our lab. We will arrange pickup for the samples in and around the Lethbridge area.

Additionally, any information on western bluebird sightings around nest boxes would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you to the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society for their help.

Email Aaron at: aaron.veale@uleth.ca

Mailing address:
Biology WE1026
4401 University Drive
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4