Abstract
Migration involves complex interrelationships of anabolic and catabolic metabolism, behavior, and reproductive development. Vernal migration (the movement of individuals from the wintering area to the breeding area) occurs during a period of gonadal development and increasing levels of reproductive hormones. Autumnal migration (the movement of individuals from the breeding area to wintering grounds) occurs after the breeding season when the gonads have regressed to a completely inactive state, and circulating levels of reproductive hormones are basal (e.g., Farner 1955; Wingfield and Farner 1980). Note that juveniles also undergo autumnal migration. Since the two migratory periods occur in radically different physiologic states, it is reasonable to suspect that the factors timing and controlling at least the preparations for migration will be different. On the other hand, both migratory states have common requirements, e.g., for hyperphagia, fat deposition (as fuel for long flights), and migratory flight itself. Thus, it is likely that some of the regulatory mechanisms of migration will be similar in spring and autumn and others different.
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Wingfield, J.C., Schwabl, H., Mattocks, P.W. (1990). Endocrine Mechanisms of Migration. In: Gwinner, E. (eds) Bird Migration. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-74542-3_16
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