An evidence-based overview of hybridization in tinamous

Abstract Estimates suggest that about 16% of bird species hybridize in the wild. This number is based on two main sources: Handbook Avian Hybrids World by Eugene McCarthy and online Serge Dumont Bird Database. Although both sources provide supporting references for documented hybrids, reliability these has not been systematically assessed. In this paper, I introduce a scoring scheme three criteria are weighted their reliability, namely field observations or photographs (1 point), morphological analyses (2 points), genetic (3 points). The final tally (ranging from 0 to 6 points) will indicate level confidence particular hybrid. test Neotropical family Tinamidae (tinamous), which several putative hybrids have reported. My analysis revealed one well-documented case ( Crypturellus boucardi × C. cinnamomeus ) doubtful records require further investigation. These findings highlight need thoroughly scrutinizing avian hybrids. system clearly illustrates its usefulness can be easily applied other taxonomic groups increase documenting interspecific