Plasma chemistry reference values in hybrid falcons in relation to their species of origin

Twenty‐one blood chemistry parameters were determined in 127 peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrinus ), 79 gyr‐peregrine hybrids and 166 gyr‐saker hybrids. These parameters, together with those previously established in 53 gyr falcons ( Falco rusticolus ) and 234 saker falcons ( Falco cherrug ), were compared. There were statistically significant differences in 15 of the parameters between the saker and peregrine falcons; the saker and gyr falcons; the saker and gyr‐saker hybrids; the peregrine and gyr falcons; and the peregrine and gyr‐peregrine hybrids, but not between the gyr falcons and the gyr‐saker falcon hybrids.