How many chromosomes does a hawk have?

Answer 1

About 63% of known bird species have a diploid chromosome number (2n) of 74-86. A further 24% have 2n = 66-74.

Extremes at the lower end of the spectrum are the trumpeter hornbill Ceratogyman bucinator and stone curlew Burhinus oedicemus (with 2n = 40 and 42 respectively). The highest recorded chromosome number in birds is in the common kingfisher Alcedo athis (2n = 132 or 138) or the Grey (or Southern) Go-away bird Corythaixoides concolor (2n = 136-142). Understandably, accurate chromosome counts become difficult with these numbers. [Source: Christidis, 1990, Animal Cytogenetics 4, Chordata 3 B: Aves]

In general, chromosome number in birds is both higher than in most other vertebrates, and less variable. The typical avian karyotype is composed of macro- and microchromosomes, with a continuous size distribution. Exceptions include the falcons and parrots, where chromosomal fusions and other rearrangements are common, and have reduced chromosome number and size variation in these groups as a whole.

For a recent review of this topic, see: The evolution of the avian genome as revealed by comparative molecular cytogenetics, Cytogenet Genome Res. 2007;117(1-4):64-77

Answer 2

66

Answer 3

Birds have quite conserved chromosome numbers compared to other vertebrates. The typical diploid number (2n) is 80 chromosomes. Chicken, for example, has 78 chromosomes.

Of the avian species so far examined (~800 out of ~9600) about 63% have 2n=74 to 86, and a further 24% have 2n=66-74.

The lower extremes include the stone curlew and beach thick knee (2n=40), while the highest numbers are found in the Grey or Southern Go-away bird (2n=136-142; exact numbers are hard to find) and the common kingfisher (2n=132 or 138).

Answer 4

An eagle is a rather large wild bird. Eagles have 66 chromosomes. This is twenty more chromosomes than humans have.

Answer 5

Crane Hawk - 66 ;)