Diagnoses of hybrid hummingbirds (Aves : Trochilidae). 6. An intergeneric hybrid, Aglaiocercus kingi x Metallura tyrianthina, from Venezuela

Abstract

An intergeneric hybrid hummingbird, Aglaiocercus kingi x Metallura tyrianthina, is described. External measurements of the hybrid are intermediate of those of the parental species. Back plumage iridescence is bluer (511 nm) in the hybrid than in either of the parental species (553-571 nm). This color shift is thought to be caused by a developmental aberrancy or mutation which affects melanin granules that produce iridescence in feather keratins.