Longitudinal data reveal ontogenetic changes in the wing morphology of a long-distance migratory bird

TY - JOUR

T1 - Longitudinal data reveal ontogenetic changes in the wing morphology of a long-distance migratory bird

AU - De la Hera, I.

AU - Pulido, F.

AU - Visser, M.E.

N1 - Reporting year: 2014 Metis note: 5538; AnE Data archiving: data archived at MDA

PY - 2014

Y1 - 2014

N2 - In migratory bird species, juveniles normally have shorter and more rounded wings than adults. The causes of this age-specific difference in wing morphology, however, are largely unknown. Here, we used longitudinal data collected over 3 years from a Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca population to assess whether age-related differences in wing morphology are a consequence of ontogenetic changes or of selection favouring birds with longer and more pointed wings. Our study provides evidence of ontogenetic changes in wing length and shape, whereby birds grow longer and more pointed wings as they grow older. Age-dependent variation is likely to be adaptive and may partly explain age differences in spring migration phenology and breeding success.

AB - In migratory bird species, juveniles normally have shorter and more rounded wings than adults. The causes of this age-specific difference in wing morphology, however, are largely unknown. Here, we used longitudinal data collected over 3 years from a Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca population to assess whether age-related differences in wing morphology are a consequence of ontogenetic changes or of selection favouring birds with longer and more pointed wings. Our study provides evidence of ontogenetic changes in wing length and shape, whereby birds grow longer and more pointed wings as they grow older. Age-dependent variation is likely to be adaptive and may partly explain age differences in spring migration phenology and breeding success.

KW - NIOO

U2 - 10.1111/ibi.12112

DO - 10.1111/ibi.12112

M3 - Article

SN - 0019-1019

VL - 156

SP - 209

EP - 214

JO - Ibis

JF - Ibis

IS - 1

ER -