A range-wide domino effect and resetting of the annual cycle in a migratory songbird. Issue 1894 (9th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gow, Elizabeth A.; Burke, Lauren; Winkler, David W.; Knight, Samantha M.; Bradley, David W.; Clark, Robert G.; Bélisle, Marc; Berzins, Lisha L.; Blake, Tricia; Bridge, Eli S.; Dawson, Russell D.; Dunn, Peter O.; Garant, Dany; Holroyd, Geoff; Horn, Andrew G.; Hussell, David J. T.; Lansdorp, Olga; Laughlin, Andrew J.; Leonard, Marty L.; Pelletier, Fanie; Shutler, Dave; Siefferman, Lynn; Taylor, Caz M.; Trefry, Helen; Vleck, Carol M.; Vleck, David; Whittingham, Linda A.; Norris, D. Ryan
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 286:Issue 1894(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-01-09
• Subjects: carry-over effects -- life history -- migration -- Tachycineta bicolor -- timing of breeding -- tree swallow; Biology -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1916
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8452

Abstract

Abstract : Latitudinal differences in timing of breeding are well documented but how such differences carry over to influence timing of events in the annual cycle of migratory birds is not well understood. We examined geographical variation in timing of events throughout the year using light-level geolocator tracking data from 133 migratory tree swallows ( Tachycineta bicolor ) originating from 12 North American breeding populations. A swallow's breeding latitude influenced timing of breeding, which then carried over to affect breeding ground departure. This resulted in subsequent effects on the arrival and departure schedules at autumn stopover locations and timing of arrival at non-breeding locations. This 'domino effect' between timing events was no longer apparent by the time individuals departed for spring migration. Our range-wide analysis demonstrates the lasting impact breeding latitude can have on migration schedules but also highlights how such timing relationships can reset when individuals reside at non-breeding sites for extended periods of time.