3 Streptopelia Hybrids

Welcome to the info I have documented on three such hybrids that occurred within my collection of doves. Hybrids between the different Streptopelia species have occurred since the species were discovered. It is said that the "hybrids" within the same group are or have a higher percentage of being fertile than hybrids from species from two different groups.

Examples
Ringneck Dove (Streptopelia risoria) & Senegal Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) - both members of the genus Streptopelia = produces fertile hybrids
Ringneck Dove (Streptopelia risoria) & Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) - from different genus groups = produces only mules (no fertile hybrids)

Most breeders of the hybrids believe that the hybrid males are more fertile than the hybrid females. The statements are drawn from the necropsy of such hybrids & show that the sex organs did not fully develop in the sexes being looked at; with the percentage being hybrid females not having fully developed sex organs. In researching the data available in books & articles most breeders use the F1 hybrid males to pair back to the desired species. In my own projects - I have had F1 males & F1 females show fertility & also show infertility. Along this line I have also had F2 males & females show fertility & non-fertility.

As for deciding whether these birds are hybrids or pure birds - I leave this argument to those who want to argue it. Some say that after several generations the first host gene from the different parent is removed & will no longer show up as long as these first few generations are always bred back to the desired species. Others state that the gene from the different host parent, no matter how many times the desired species is bred back to the desired species it is never removed. It may never show up in future generations but will always be present in the chromosomes.

I only got interested by accident when a Senegal male pair with an Orange Pearled Ringneck hen. They eventually produced 8 young. I then became interested in transferring these known colors from this pairing to other species & thus increase a interest in keeping them by more fanciers. One must realize that producing hybrids is not as easy at it seems. The two different species must be compatible, pair together (best done out of sight & sound of any same species of opposite sex), overcome different courting & mating behaviors & finally produce fertile eggs. Many times it takes several years to obtain the first F1 young in which to begin your project. 
Read my comments on transferring one of the recessive color genes

Symbols & percentages used to denote birds back to the desired species within my projects
F1 = 1/2 %
F2 = 3/4 %
F3 = 7/8 %
F4 = 15/16 %
F5 = 31/32 %
etc.;

The following links will take you to the three projects I have embarked on. The first project was the  "Tangerine Senegals" and is well on it's way. Enough F3 & F4 young were produced to send to other interested fanciers to prevent major loss for any reason of all the mutations. The Tangerine Laceneck & Dwarf Turtle Dove projects have just started. If interested in such breeding projects & you have any questions please feel free to contact me.