Causes and Consequences of Bird Hybridization

What Happens When Birds Fall in Love Across Species?

Think you know birds? Think again.

Birds don't always stick to their own kind. In fact, scientists estimate that 10–20% of bird species hybridize with at least one other species—and these unexpected pairings can give researchers an incredible glimpse into how evolution actually works.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science presents Lovebirds: Causes and Consequences of Bird Hybridization, featuring Dr. Garth Spellman, the Museum’s Director of Zoology and Curator of Ornithology.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Spellman has studied birds using fieldwork, genetics and evolutionary biology. He'll share fascinating examples from Colorado and around the world and explore what hybrid birds can teach us about one of nature's biggest questions: How do new species emerge?

You might even discover that some of those unusual birds you spot in your own backyard aren't quite what you think they are!

Whether you're a serious birder, a nature lover, or simply curious about the wonderfully weird ways evolution works, this promises to be a fascinating evening of birds, science and some surprising love stories