Genetic determination of migration strategies in large soaring birds: evidence from hybrid eagles

In this study, we show that genetic factors in soaring birds are more important than previously assumed. We used global positioning system (GPS)-telemetry to compare the autumn journeys and wintering ranges of two closely related large raptorial bird species, the greater spotted eagle Clanga clanga and the lesser spotted eagle Clanga pomarina, and hybrids between them. The timing of migration in hybrids was similar to that of one parental species, but the wintering distributions and home range sizes were similar to those of the other. Tracking data were supported by habitat suitability modelling, based on GPS fixes and ring recoveries. These results suggest a strong genetic influence on migration strategy via a trait-dependent dominance effect, although we cannot rule out the contribution of social interactions.

Source: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences - August 15, 2018 Category: Biology Authors: Väli, U., Mirski, P., Sellis, U., Dagys, M., Maciorowski, G. Tags: behaviour, ecology Source Type: research