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Social environment influences termination of nomadic migration
Ashley R Robart1, Hilary X Zuñiga2, Guillermo Navarro2
1Department of Biology, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR 97520, USA.
Biology Letters
|March 30, 2022
Summary
Social cues, like the presence of other birds, can signal nomadic migrants, such as pine siskins, to stop migrating. This study found that paired migratory birds showed reduced activity and physiological changes indicating settlement.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Ecology
- Ornithology
Background:
- The final stage of animal migration, or migratory termination, is poorly understood.
- Migrants with low site fidelity, like nomadic species, may use environmental cues to cease movement.
- The role of social cues in migratory termination is largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the presence of conspecifics influences migratory termination in nomadic birds.
- To examine behavioral and physiological changes associated with settling in pine siskins (Spinus pinus).
Main Methods:
- Captive pine siskins were experimentally paired with non-migratory individuals or left unpaired.
- Behavioral changes (nocturnal activity) and physiological indicators (energetic reserves, flight muscle size) were monitored.
Main Results:
- Migratory birds paired with conspecifics showed an immediate and sustained decline in nocturnal activity.
- Paired birds also exhibited significant reductions in energetic reserves and flight muscle size.
- Unpaired migratory birds maintained high activity levels and energetic reserves.
Conclusions:
- Social cues play a significant role in migratory termination decisions for nomadic species.
- Social interactions may facilitate settlement in new, high-quality habitats for nomadic migrants like pine siskins.
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