Designation of flyways and genetic structure of Woodpigeon Columba palumbus in Europe and Morocco

Abstract

The Woodpigeon Columba palumbus is an abundant and widespread Palearctic species that uses multiple flyways in Europe. The designation of the main flyways of Woodpigeon in Europe and the study of the genetic structure of the populations are necessary for the sustainable management of this species. Both ringing recovery data of Woodpigeons and mtDNA D-loop sequences from 606 individuals sampled across Europe and in Morocco were used in this study. In total, 763 direct recoveries of birds ringed during the breeding season in 1908–2016 were analysed, while D-loop sequences were analysed from 416 birds sampled in 2014–2018 and 190 individuals that had been sampled in 2004–2009 for a preliminary investigation. In the median-joining network of D-loop haplotypes, six haplogroups were identified in Woodpigeons from various biogeographical populations. Certain differences in the frequency of haplogroups were found between resident Woodpigeons of the Iberian Peninsula and migratory birds from Eastern and Northern Europe. Relatively low genetic variability within the D-loop was observed in samples of resident birds from the Balearic Islands and the Iberian Peninsula. No genetic variation was found in resident Woodpigeons breeding in Morocco. The analysis of ringing recovery data and distribution patterns of different haplotypes confirmed that Woodpigeons from the north and east of Europe use the Eastern Atlantic flyway, while birds breeding in Hungary use the Mediterranean flyway. It is likely that Woodpigeons from south-eastern Russia, eastern Ukraine and birds breeding further east use the Black Sea flyway. It was also confirmed that the majority of Woodpigeons breeding in Belgium are resident or short-distance migrants. Due to the variability identified in the genetic make-up of different populations of Woodpigeons in Europe, we remark the management implications regarding the species that are relevant in various regions of the continent.