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Articles

Vol. 44 No. 4 (2013)

FEATURED PHOTO: HYBRIDIZATION OF THE BLACK-FOOTED AND LAYSAN ALBATROSSES

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21199/WB44.4.8
Submitted
November 23, 2025
Published
October 1, 2013

Abstract

Although the Laysan (Phoebastria immutabilis) and Black-footed Albatrosses (P. nigripes) have been known to hybridize for more than a century, little has been published regarding plumage variation of the hybrid progeny. During six months of field work on Laysan, Hawaii, I noted 13 possible hybrids (five presumed F₁ hybrids, three possible F₂ backrosses with the Black-footed Albatross, and at least four possible F₂ backrosses with the Laysan Albatross). Apparent F₂ backcrosses with the Black-footed Albatross differ from it most noticeably in their black-and-white underwings and much more extensive white circling the face. Apparent F₂ backcrosses with the Laysan Albatross differ from that species most noticeably in their extensive gray smudging throughout the body and darker underwing coverts. Apparent F₂ backcrosses interbreed with the Black-footed Albatross, the first evidence of any hybrid pairing with that parental species.

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