Correlations in movement behaviour over large and small geographic scales in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia)

Christopher D. Posliff, The University of Western Ontario

Abstract

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In many animals, individuals show consistent variation in activity and movement, suggesting the existence of movement-related behavioural syndromes. I assessed the relationship between exploratory behaviour (over a small spatial scale) and migration distance (over a much larger scale) in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). I quantified exploration using a novel environment test and inferred migration distance (overwintering latitude) using stable hydrogen isotope analysis of winter-grown claw tissue. Exploration was positively related to migration distance. I also investigated candidate mechanisms that if common to both exploration and migration, could explain the correlation between these behaviours. Circulating androgen levels were not associated with either movement behaviour, but at the dopamine receptor gene DRD4 one sequence variant was linked to exploration and another to migration distance. The observed relationship between small- and large-scale movement suggests the existence of a movement syndrome and provides insight into the evolution of movements over multiple geographic scales.