Genomic architecture of migration timing in a long-distance migratory songbird

Abstract

The impact of climate change on spring phenology poses risks to migratory birds, as migration timing is controlled predominantly by endogenous mechanisms. Despite numerous studies on internal cues controlling migration, the underlying genetic basis of migration timing remains largely unknown. We investigated the genetic architecture of migration timing in a long-distance migratory songbird (purple martin, Progne subis subis) by integrating genomic data with an extensive dataset of direct migratory tracks. Our findings show migration has a predictable genetic basis in martins and maps to a region on chromosome 1. This region contains genes that could facilitate nocturnal flights and act as epigenetic modifiers. Additionally, we found that genomic variance explained a higher proportion of historic than recent environmental spring phenology data, which may suggest a reduction in the adaptive potential of migratory behavior in contemporary populations. Overall, these results advance our understanding of the genomic underpinnings of migration timing and could provide context for conservation action.