The Role of Hybridisation in Origin of Forms in the Hierofalco Complex
This article presents the analysis and the criticism of the hypotheses on hybrid origin of the Eastern Saker Falcon, Falco cherrug coatsi and Falco peregrinus pealei, expressed by different researchers. Based on comparing genetic, morphological, ecological and behavioural peculiarities of different species of the Hierofalco complex, the Eastern and Western Sakers are assumed to have independent origin from each other with their morphological similarity being convergent. Therefore, the suggestion is made to recognize them as independent taxons with the same status as other representatives of the complex (Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus, Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus, Laggar Falcon Falco jugger, Black Falcon Falco subniger).