Migratory birds use daylength, or photoperiod, to align their migration schedules to the annual cycle, and global climate change is shifting temperature gradients towards the poles while light cues, such as photoperiod, are fixed by latitude and date. How the migration phenotype in birds is controlled by geophysical information, i.e. daylength, is still poorly understood. We aim to test the hypothesis that long-distance migrants can adjust their schedule of migratory fueling to a novel light environment by bringing juvenile Thrush nightingale (Luscinia Luscinia) into captivity, and we are looking for a dedicated master’s student to conduct the experiment. We will capture Thrush nightingales in southern Sweden and will use purpose built behavioural labs (OriLAB) to simulate the photoperiods experienced during their typical migration and in a novel light environment. Fieldwork starts: August 2024
If understanding how the endogenous migration program of songbirds’ functions and is controlled by geophysical information excites you, then this may be your master’s project. Please, contact Professor Susanne Åkesson for more information.