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

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 Thr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecological applications 2005-10, Vol.15 (5), p.1487-1494
Main Authors: Kelly, Jeffrey F., Ruegg, Kristen C., Smith, Thomas B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aves
Aviculture
Birds
Breeding
Breeding sites
Catharus ustulatus
Communications
deuterium
Discriminants
Ecological genetics
Feathers
Haplotypes
hydrogen
Isotope ratios
Isotopes
mitochondrial DNA
stable isotope
sulfur
Swainson's Thrush
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1051-0761
1939-5582
DOI:10.1890/04-1704