RAMENOFSKY, M; AGATSUMA, R; RAMFAR, T; University of Washington; University of Washington; University of Washington: Environmental Conditions Influence Migratory Behavior of Captive Birds

Migration is the annual movement between locations for breeding (spring) and nonbreeding (autumn). Whereas a great deal of attention has been paid to various aspects of migration � evolution, orientation, navigation, physiology – little is known of the actual behaviors displayed by birds during the migratory life history stages. Recently, we defined the ethogram of behavior displayed by migratory white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) during the spring and autumnal migratory life history stages. These studies have identified similarities in the behaviors displayed but distinctions in their timing and intensity exist. Furthermore, evidence from a wide variety of field studies suggests that environmental conditions � atmospheric and climatic conditions, nocturnal illumination, and food availability may affect migratory activity. We utilized the white-crown sparrow ethogram to test some of these effects. Frequency of nocturnal locomotor activity (migratory restlessness) was correlated positively with intensity of nocturnal illumination. Deprivation of food had little effect on migratory restlessness but increased locomotor activity during daylight hours. Taken together results from captive birds suggest that migrants respond to variations of environmental conditions by altering components of both day and nighttime behavior. Plasticity of behavior allows migrants to accommodate to alterations in the environment and enhance the likelihood of successfully reaching their destination to either breed or overwinter.