Comparative genomics of two Empidonax flycatchers reveal candidate genes for bird song production

• DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpad096
• Publication Date: 2023-05-30T10:12:02Z
• Authors: Natalia C García; Leonardo Campagna; Andrew C Rush; Rauri C K Bowie; Irby J Lovette
• Keywords: Plumage; Songbird; Candidate gene; Phenotypic trait

Abstract Whole-genome-level comparisons of sister taxa that vary in phenotype against a background high genomic similarity can be used to identify the regions might underlie their phenotypic differences. In wild birds, this exploratory approach has detected markers associated with plumage coloration, beak and wing morphology, complex behavioral traits like migration. Here, we use two closely related suboscine flycatchers (Empidonax difficilis E. occidentalis) hybrids search for candidate genes underlying variation innate vocal signals. We sequenced genomes 20 sang one species-specific pure song types 14 putative hybrid individuals intermediate types. resulting comparisons, found six areas differentiation may nonlearned songs. These narrow contain total 67 described genes, which three have been previously forms language impairment dyslexia humans 18 are known differentially expressed nuclei avian brain compared adjacent parts brain. This “natural experiment” therefore help loci differences merit further study across bird lineages both learned vocalizations.