Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Drivers of wing shape in a widespread Neotropical bird: a dual role of sex-specific and migration-related functions

Full text
Author(s):
Carvalho Provinciato, Ivan C. [1] ; Araujo, Marcio S. [1] ; Jahn, Alex E. [1, 2]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Inst Biociencias Rio Claro, Ave 24A, 1515, Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[2] Smithsonian Conservat Biol Inst, Migratory Bird Ctr, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 - USA
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY; v. 32, n. 4, p. 379-393, AUG 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

A large body of research has shown how avian morphology is shaped by specific behavioral repertoires and life history traits. Yet, the majority of such research has been conducted on birds breeding at north-temperate latitudes. We tested the hypothesis that functional wing traits of Fork-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus savana), which migrate within South America, vary predictably between non-migratory and migratory flycatchers. Additionally, due to sex-specific differences in this species (e.g., males perform courtship displays), we explored sex-related variation in wing shape. We applied classic measures of wing shape (e.g., wing loading, length, aspect ratio, pointedness), as well as landmark-based morphometric analysis to describe the wing morphology of Fork-tailed Flycatchers from breeding populations across South America. We found that migratory flycatchers tend to have more pointed wings than non-migratory flycatchers. Additionally, we found that males have wings that are significantly longer, more pointed, with a higher aspect ratio and that are more swept than those of females, regardless of whether they migrate or not. Overall, our results suggest that wing shape of Fork-tailed Flycatchers is the result of a complex set of tradeoffs shaped by selective pressures exerted on both sexes (i.e., the need to forage on the wing, evade predators and migrate efficiently), as well as sex-specific behaviors (e.g., the need for males to execute acrobatic displays). (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/17225-2 - The evolution of bird migration: does current theory apply in South America?
Grantee:Alejandro Edward Jahn
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants