Migratory blackpoll warblers (Setophaga striata) make regional-scale movements that are not oriented toward their migratory goal during fall

• DOI: 10.1186/s40462-017-0106-0
• Publication Date: 2017-06-12T13:25:30Z
• Authors: J. Morgan Brown; Philip D. Taylor
• Keywords: Animal ecology

Regional scale movement patterns of songbirds are poorly known largely due to difficulties tracking small organisms at broad scales. Using an array over 100 automated radio telemetry towers, we followed Blackpoll Warblers (Setophaga striata) during fall migration in the Gulf Maine region, and assessed how their regional pathways varied with age, distance natal origin, capture date. Many individuals had paths that were not oriented towards migratory goal ('indirect patterns'), regardless or time season. The probability moving indirect patterns, total duration, decreased extent considerably between individuals. Excluding direct flight consistent traditional movements, adults tended make more flights moved tortuous than hatch-years. Adults from westerly origins likely move south-west through time. A greater proportion made movements expected. decrease duration date indicates prioritize as season progresses. shorter, may be a complete representation 'reverse migration' barrier 'landscape-scale stopovers movements'. longer distances travelled inconsistent expected behaviour, even front barrier. observed indirectly suggests is costly state commonly assumed. Since hatch-years, suggest accidental, provide some advantage undertake them.