Wing Shape in House Finches Differs Relative to Migratory Habit in Eastern and Western North America
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2003
Abstract
We investigated whether wing morphology differed between the sedentary House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) of western North America and the introduced population of eastern North America, as the latter has developed migratory behavior since its inception. Wing morphology differed between eastern and western House Finches. Eastern House Finches had shorter proximal primaries and a longer outer primary, perhaps reflecting a thinner and more pointed wing, although no disparity in wing length was detected. Since we interpret these differences in wing shape as modifications for flight capability, we believe that initial evidence for morphological divergence relative to migratory habit between eastern and western House Finches has been established here. Confirmatory studies to determine if wing morphology varies according to the gradient in expression of migratory behavior throughout the range of eastern House Finches are now warranted.
Copyright Statement
Published as "Wing Shape in House Finches Differs Relative to Migratory Habit in Eastern and Western North America, Condor 105(4), 825-829. © 2003 by the Regents of the University of California. Copying and permissions notice: Authorization to copy this content beyond fair use (as specified in Sections 107 and 108 of the U. S. Copyright Law) for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific clients, is granted by the Regents of the University of California for libraries and other users, provided that they are registered with and pay the specified fee via Rightslink® on Caliber (http://caliber.ucpress.net/) or directly with the Copyright Clearance Center, http://www.copyright.com. http://www.ucpressjournals.com/
Publication Information
Egbert, Jeremy R. and Belthoff, James R.. (2003). "Wing Shape in House Finches Differs Relative to Migratory Habit in Eastern and Western North America". The Condor, 105(4), 825-829.