Feed a Bird, Split a Species

**Jason** · 12-14-2009, 03:06 PM

During the winter, British bird-lovers lay out suet rolled with seeds and oats for birds landing in their chilly, barren yards. They believe that these handouts help the birds through winter, but scientists have now discovered that the practice may be splitting a species in two. In the past 50 years, a migratory schism has appeared among central European blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla). Native to southern Germany and Austria, the small, grayish songbirds used to fly southwest together to Spain to bask in the Mediterranean weather and dine on fruits such as olives. But in the 1960s, bird watchers started noticing some blackcaps wintering in the United Kingdom. These birds had split from their companions, headed northwest, and begun living off the feed left out by generous bird-lovers. Now, roughly 30 generations later, about 10% of blackcaps migrate to the United Kingdom in the winter instead of to Spain.
A recent study showed that this new winter destination has led blackcaps to breed mainly with their migratory companions. The United Kingdom is closer to blackcap breeding grounds in central Europe than is Spain, so the northwest-migrating birds return home 10 days earlier and start mating among themselves.

Read more Feed a Bird, Split a Species -- Torrice 2009 (1203): 2 -- ScienceNOW

freeman · 07-06-2010, 01:33 PM

whoa, that is quite intriguing to think of the influence that humans have on their environment! Changing migratory patterns, who know, over millions of years the birds that stay in the UK could adapt in new ways virtually emerging as a different species altogether.

Disciple · 07-15-2010, 02:19 AM

Man have always been influencing the evolution of nature. Many species have disappeared due to man's actions. And this thread also proves that human's interaction with animals can create new species.

12-14-2009, 03:06 PM	#1
Jason Guard Dog 2012 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 3,126 Lodge:	Feed a Bird, Split a Species During the winter, British bird-lovers lay out suet rolled with seeds and oats for birds landing in their chilly, barren yards. They believe that these handouts help the birds through winter, but scientists have now discovered that the practice may be splitting a species in two. In the past 50 years, a migratory schism has appeared among central European blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla). Native to southern Germany and Austria, the small, grayish songbirds used to fly southwest together to Spain to bask in the Mediterranean weather and dine on fruits such as olives. But in the 1960s, bird watchers started noticing some blackcaps wintering in the United Kingdom. These birds had split from their companions, headed northwest, and begun living off the feed left out by generous bird-lovers. Now, roughly 30 generations later, about 10% of blackcaps migrate to the United Kingdom in the winter instead of to Spain. A recent study showed that this new winter destination has led blackcaps to breed mainly with their migratory companions. The United Kingdom is closer to blackcap breeding grounds in central Europe than is Spain, so the northwest-migrating birds return home 10 days earlier and start mating among themselves. Read more Feed a Bird, Split a Species -- Torrice 2009 (1203): 2 -- ScienceNOW __________________ Is trom an t-ualach an leisce. Ni heolas go haontios Agus na damnaithe fágtha gan focal Glaoigh ormsa i measc na naomh The sky is not the limit there are footprints on the moon.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-06-2010, 01:33 PM	#2
freeman Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 25 Lodge:	whoa, that is quite intriguing to think of the influence that humans have on their environment! Changing migratory patterns, who know, over millions of years the birds that stay in the UK could adapt in new ways virtually emerging as a different species altogether.

07-15-2010, 02:19 AM	#3
Disciple Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 25 Lodge:	Man have always been influencing the evolution of nature. Many species have disappeared due to man's actions. And this thread also proves that human's interaction with animals can create new species.