Early environment key to bird migration
Published: Feb. 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
BALTIMORE, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- A U.S. study suggests migratory birds choose a nesting location for their initial breeding season based on conditions they faced early in life.
The University of Maryland-National Zoo-led research determined environmental conditions the birds face during their first year might help determine where they breed for the rest of their lives -- a factor that could significantly affect the population as climate change makes winter habitats warmer and drier.
"We found that where the birds go in their first winter, a process called natal dispersal, may determine the area -- within several hundred miles -- where they will breed over their lifetime," said doctoral student Colin Studds who led the study. "An important factor appears to be the availability of water in their winter habitat."
The study focused on the American redstart -- a warbler that migrates between breeding grounds in North America and winter spots in the Caribbean and South America.
The study that included Peter Marra of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and Kurt Kyser of Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, is detailed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The University of Maryland-National Zoo-led research determined environmental conditions the birds face during their first year might help determine where they breed for the rest of their lives -- a factor that could significantly affect the population as climate change makes winter habitats warmer and drier.
"We found that where the birds go in their first winter, a process called natal dispersal, may determine the area -- within several hundred miles -- where they will breed over their lifetime," said doctoral student Colin Studds who led the study. "An important factor appears to be the availability of water in their winter habitat."
The study focused on the American redstart -- a warbler that migrates between breeding grounds in North America and winter spots in the Caribbean and South America.
The study that included Peter Marra of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and Kurt Kyser of Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, is detailed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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