Wing morphology covaries with migration distance in a highly aerial insectivorous songbird.

ABSTRACT: According to classical prediction of aerodynamic theory, birds and other powered fliers that migrate over long distances should have longer and more pointed wings than those that migrate less. However, the association between wing morphology and migratory behavior can be masked by contrasting selective pressures related to foraging behavior, habitat selection and predator avoidance, possibly at the cost of lower flight energetic efficiency. We studied the handwing morphology of Eurasian barn swallows Hirundo rustica from four populations representing a migration distance gradient. This species is an aerial insectivore, so it flies extensively while foraging, and may migrate during the day using a 'fly-and-forage' migration strategy. Prolonged foraging flights may reinforce the effec

SUBMITTER: Matyjasiak P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10284055 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature