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Migratory connectivity and effects of winter temperatures on migratory behaviour of the European robin Erithacus rubecula : a continent‐wide analysis
Author(s) -
Ambrosini Roberto,
Cuervo José Javier,
Feu Chris,
Fiedler Wolfgang,
Musitelli Federica,
Rubolini Diego,
Sicurella Beatrice,
Spina Fernando,
Saino Nicola,
Møller Anders Pape
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of animal ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.134
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1365-2656
pISSN - 0021-8790
DOI - 10.1111/1365-2656.12497
Subject(s) - ringing , geography , bird migration , cluster (spacecraft) , ecology , climate change , biology , filter (signal processing) , computer science , computer vision , programming language
Summary Many partially migratory species show phenotypically divergent populations in terms of migratory behaviour, with climate hypothesized to be a major driver of such variability through its differential effects on sedentary and migratory individuals. Based on long‐term (1947–2011) bird ringing data, we analysed phenotypic differentiation of migratory behaviour among populations of the European robin Erithacus rubecula across Europe. We showed that clusters of populations sharing breeding and wintering ranges varied from partial (British Isles and Western Europe, NW cluster) to completely migratory (Scandinavia and north‐eastern Europe, NE cluster). Distance migrated by birds of the NE (but not of the NW ) cluster decreased through time because of a north‐eastwards shift in the wintering grounds. Moreover, when winter temperatures in the breeding areas were cold, individuals from the NE cluster also migrated longer distances, while those of the NW cluster moved over shorter distances. Climatic conditions may therefore affect migratory behaviour of robins, although large geographical variation in response to climate seems to exist.