Combining Isotopic and Genetic Markers to Identify Breeding Origins of Migrant Birds

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[edit] Author(s)

• Kelly, J. F.
• Ruegg, K. C.
• Smith, T. B.

[edit] Journal

Ecological Applications 15.5 (2005): 1487-94.

[edit] Keywords

catharus ustulatus deuterium hydrogen mitochondrial DNA stable isotope sulfur swainson's thrush stable-isotopes neotropical migrant migratory songbird wintering grounds animal movement hydrogen connectivity feathers populations butterflies

[edit] Abstract

A quantitative method for linking reproductive and nonreproductive phases of migratory life cycles is fundamental to understanding the biology of migratory organisms. Here we combine genetic (mtDNA) and biochemical (stable isotope) information to examine seasonal movements in the Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus), a Neotropical migrant. We show that when these intrinsic markers are used in concert, they can predict the site-specific origin of thrushes with 76-80% accuracy. Genetic and isotope data needed for these classifications can be obtained from migratory organisms at any phase of the life cycle. We demonstrate how this classification analysis can be used to infer breeding origins of samples gathered during the nonreproductive phases of the life cycle. Based on these results, we argue that further integration of methodologies will refine the scale at which linkages between reproductive and nonreproductive phases of the life cycle can be quantified.

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