Solid black lines indicate the migration routes of two sub-species of Swainson’s thrush. The dashed line indicated the route of hybrid birds carrying genes from both sub-species; this route was much more difficult, traversing areas with little insect life, vegetation or water. (Image credit: Kira Delmore)
A new study indicates that genetics can have a strong influence on bird migration patterns. Using geolocators strapped to the backs of Swainson’s thrushes researchers were able to map the birds’ migration from British Columbia to South and Central America each year.
As expected birds of one population chose one route, while birds of another population chose another. However hybrid birds, those with genes from both populations, chose an intermediate route, despite the fact that deserts and mountains made this route much more challenging.
This shows that genes play a significant role in bird migration patterns, and that the routes are not necessarily a learned behaviour.
Original research paper published in the journal Ecology Letters on July 16, 2014.
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