Open AccessPhylogeography of a migratory songbird across its Canadian breeding range: Implications for conservation units
Author(s) -
Haché Samuel,
Bayne Erin M.,
Villard MarcAndré,
Proctor Heather,
Davis Corey S.,
Stralberg Diana,
Janes Jasmine K.,
Hallworth Michael T.,
Foster Kenneth R.,
Chidambaravasi Easwaramurthyvasi,
Grossi Alexandra A.,
Gorrell Jamieson C.,
Krikun Richard
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.3170
Subject(s) - biology , genetic structure , ecology , range (aeronautics) , population , phylogeography , songbird , refugium (fishkeeping) , population genetics , genetic variation , geography , demography , materials science , sociology , habitat , gene , composite material , phylogenetic tree , biochemistry
Abstract The objectives of this study were to describe and evaluate potential drivers of genetic structure in Canadian breeding populations of the Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla . We performed genetic analyses on feather samples of individuals from six study sites using nuclear microsatellites. We also assessed species identity and population genetic structure of quill mites (Acariformes, Syringophilidae). For male Ovenbirds breeding in three study sites, we collected light‐level geolocator data to document migratory paths and identify the wintering grounds. We also generated paleohindcast projections from bioclimatic models of Ovenbird distribution to identify potential refugia during the last glacial maximum ( LGM , 21,000 years before present) as a factor explaining population genetic structure. Birds breeding in the Cypress Hills (Alberta/Saskatchewan) may be considered a distinct genetic unit, but there was no evidence for genetic differentiation among any other populations. We found relatively strong migratory connectivity in both western and eastern populations, but some evidence of mixing among populations on the wintering grounds. There was also little genetic variation among syringophilid mites from the different Ovenbird populations. These results are consistent with paleohindcast distribution predictions derived from two different global climate models indicating a continuous single LGM refugium, with the possibility of two refugia. Our results suggest that Ovenbird populations breeding in boreal and hemiboreal regions are panmictic, whereas the population breeding in Cypress Hills should be considered a distinct management unit.