Tracking the migration of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus forficatus) and Western Kingbirds (T. verticalis) using light-level geolocators

HUSAK, M.S.; LANDOLL, D.V.; JAHN, A.E,; LEPAGE, H.K.; PINTO LEDEZMA, J.; FOX, J.W.; CUETO, V.R.

Congreso; V North American Ornithological Conference; 2012

Understanding the annual cycle of migratory birds is imperative to understanding their life history strategies in any given season. Yet, information from the migratory and winter periods is still largely unknown for most North American migratory birds. We monitored the nests of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus forficatus) and Western Kingbirds (T. verticalis) in Oklahoma in 2011, and attached light-level geolocators to 38 breeding Western Kingbirds and to 39 breeding Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in this population. We present data on their breeding strategies, migration timing, migratory routes and wintering locations, and compare our results to previously available information for these species, and to that of other studies of bird migration using geolocator technology. We suggest future directions for research based upon our results, which could serve as a model for future studies on other migratory bird species.