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Speciation of The Warbling Vireo
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- Author(s) / Creator(s)
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For many years, birders have recognized that the Warbling Vireos
found in Western North America sing quite a different song than those
in Eastern North America. Recently, researchers from the University of
Calgary, Lovell et al., (2021), have shown that these two subspecies,
Eastern and Western, are genetically distinct enough to be considered
separate species. Our research in the Bayne Lab this summer
pinpoints the specific differences found in their songs in hopes of
making field identification more reliable and consistent. Consistency in
field identifications and a concrete understanding of how the songs are
different would make it possible to identify the supposed contact zone
in Alberta, Canada. Our data shows the specific, measurable
differences in the songs of the two groups, therefore supporting
speciation. We also challenge whether these differences are due to
speciation or habitat structure. Our data shows that the subspecies
prefer different habitat types however, their vocalizations have little
disparity according to habitat. This inconsistency suggests further
research, including a project in the Peace River region to look more
closely at the habitat preferences and songs of genetically identified
groups. -
- Date created
- 2021-08-16
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- Type of Item
- Conference/Workshop Poster