SE‐ and SW‐migrating Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) populations in Central Europe: Orientation of birds in the contact zone

Abstract

AbstractIn the Blackcap (Aves: Sylvia atricapilla), a widespread passerine noctural migrant, a “migratory divide” between SE‐ and SW‐migrating populations exists in Central Europe at about 14° E and south of 52° N. The autumn migratory directions are known to have a genetic basis and are expressed in orientation cages in captivity. Migratory directions of birds in the contact zone between the two populations were studied by analysing ringing data and by testing three groups of hand‐raised individuals in orientation cages.Available ringing data are insufficient to establish migratory directions in the contact zone north of the Alps. Hand‐raised birds from south‐west Germany and the most eastern part of Austria oriented SW and SE, respectively, confirming directions known from ringing recoveries. A sample of birds from the contact zone near Linz (Austria) oriented SW to NW (mean = 268°) and was significantly different from both adjoining populations. This contrasts with results of a cross‐breeding experiment with mixed pairs of SW‐ and SE‐migrants bred in captivity: The F1‐offspring chose southerly directions, intermediate between both parental populations (Helbig, 1991). It is suggested, therefore, that a distinct subpopulation with a large fraction of birds wintering in the British Isles has established itself in the contact zone. Differences in directional choices between groups of siblings from this area indicate that intrapopulation genetic variability is present. This may have led to a rapid spread of the novel W‐NW migratory direction, because north of the Alps strong selection seems to be acting against mixing of SE‐ with SW‐migrating populations.