Merlin x Ak / Suburban Falconry / Hybrid viability

[Voro]

Hi.

I am wondering myself about the possible benefits of a Merlink X AK hybrid for suburban falconry and the viability of it in therms of hybridation.

The idea of giving my AKs some more load of power, speed and longer distance pursuing small birds together with their already proven aggresiness, agility, lower metabolism and resistance to different food qualities (in comparison with pure merlins) makes me think on this as real possibility of improving our suburban sports.

Although I would understand comments on wasting Merlin semen and so on, I would highly appreciate to be informed on existing cases if these are up to date.

Many thanks in advance.

Voro.

[SSL]

Why would you want a lower metabolism?

What are Merlins not resistant to?

[Voro]

Hi:

The point is that, being aware of the hunting potential of Merlins, and also on the fun that we all can have weekend flying AKs in suburban areas, I do believe that it could be a good idea to give some more strenght and speed to an AK and, at the same time, to make Merlins a bit less nervous regarding hunting and carrying away preys.

However the question is still... Does anybody know on any cases as such? If so what were the hunting results?

Thanks again.

Voro.

[Little Joe]

Hi:

The point is that, being aware of the hunting potential of Merlins, and also on the fun that we all can have weekend flying AKs in suburban areas, I do believe that it could be a good idea to give some more strenght and speed to an AK and, at the same time, to make Merlins a bit less nervous regarding hunting and fliying with carry.

However the question is still... Does anybody know on any cases as such? If so what were the hunting results?

Thanks again.

Voro.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is an AK? Russian-made assault rifle?:roll:

[SSL]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is an AK? Russian-made assault rifle?:roll:

American Kestrel - minature muggers.

[Little Joe]

American Kestrel - minature muggers.

Got you, thanks :D

[KillJoy]

dont know of any merlin x AK, but there is a thread on here of an AK x Gyr.

that is what i want. figure a bigger AK or a gyr that hovers!! :supz:

[Voro]

Hi Killjoy.

In my opinion it is hard to believe the benefits of a gyr female inseminated with an AK semen. Neither economically nor regarding the hunting potential of the resulting specimen. Do not bother but hovering is not a particularity of most of falconers consider.

Many thanks for your opinion and interest anyway.

My question remains on the air. Does anybody know on any Merlin x AK hybrids yet? If so what were the hunting results? Did the speed and purse distance increase?

Thanks again to everybody

[Alf]

I was talking to a lady on another forum regarding this hybrid AK /MERLIN last year sorry I can’t remember her name although I should.:oops:
Anyway she has an imprint jack merlin that’s a semen donor and an imprint female AK that accepts insemination I think she wasn’t to successful although I know she wont give up trying haven’t spoken to her in a while she could have produced some this year I don’t know.
Could be a cracking little hybrid although I think with carrying you will see no benefit they are both noted for this. Alf.

[Voro]

Thanks for your contribution Alf.

Let´s hope that some of the folks out there have some more information about this as, I do really think that the individuals obtained could become a pretty efficient bird catcher for falconry.

Thanks again

Voro

[Alf]

Voro I think there are a few of us that can see possibilities, let’s hope there are some produced! Alf.


Thanks for your contribution Alf.

Let´s hope that some of the folks out there have some more information about this as, I do really think that the individuals obtained could become a pretty efficient bird catcher for falconry.

Thanks again

Voro

[Voro]

There is one more question:

Being Peregries, Peales, Barbarys Rhynchodonand while Gyrs, Sakers, Lanners and Juggers Hierofalcos from a Subgenus perspective, Are Praires and Merlins also Hierofalcos? And Hobbies Rhynchodonand? Are there any order subgenus to consider Kestrels?

Thanks for your help

Voro

[Moritz]

dont know of any merlin x AK, but there is a thread on here of an AK x Gyr.

that is what i want. figure a bigger AK or a gyr that hovers!! :supz:

it is easy enough to get a gyr to hover. its more a case to stop them doing when using a swung lure for training.

ak cross merlin sounds interesting. give it a go.

Mo

[rmayes100]

There is one more question:

Being Peregries, Peales, Barbarys Rhynchodonand while Gyrs, Sakers, Lanners and Juggers Hierofalcos from a Subgenus perspective, Are Praires and Merlins also Hierofalcos? And Hobbies Rhynchodonand? Are there any order subgenus to consider Kestrels?

Thanks for your help

Voro

My understanding is that Prairie Falcons are not Hierofalcos, but are a separate offshoot of the Peregrine that evolved to adapt to similar environments as the Hierofalcos. Merlins are a fairly old unique genetic branch of falcons I believe.

[Voro]

Many thanks Randy:

Is there any particular book or document that could provide with furter information on Falco Subgenus?

Voro

[rmayes100]

Many thanks Randy:

Is there any particular book or document that could provide with furter information on Falco Subgenus?

Voro

I got what I posted from wikipedia (not the greatest source I know :oops:), you could look at the references on there and maybe delve a little further. It seems to me that the genetic lineage (and evolution) of falcons is fairly well understood, while hawks is not nearly so. I would imagine there are some articles and books out there on the subject. As I understand it Falcons in general are all fairly closely genetically related anyways which is why you can create hybrids between nearly any of them fairly easily.