Cerulean Warblers exhibit parallel migration patterns and multiple migratory stopovers within the Central American Isthmus

Abstract

Abstract The Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) is a declining Nearctic–Neotropical migratory songbird of conservation concern. Implementing full annual cycle conservation strategies to facilitate recovery has been difficult because we know little about the migratory period or strength of migratory connectivity between North American breeding and South American nonbreeding regions. Between 2014 and 2017, we deployed geolocators on 282 males at 14 study sites throughout the species’ range to (1) evaluate the strength and pattern of connectivity between breeding and nonbreeding regions, (2) identify approximate routes and stopover regions, and (3) document migration phenology. We obtained data from 26 birds and observed moderate migratory connectivity overall but documented strong parallel migration for birds breeding in two longitudinally disparate regions. Most (14 of 15; 93%) Appalachian breeders spent the stationary nonbreeding period in the Colombian/Venezuelan Andes, whereas most (5 of 7; 71%) Ozark-breeders spent the stationary nonbreeding period in Peru/Ecuador. The majority of spring migration (62%) was spent in Central America at multiple stopover locations between Panama and southern Mexico. The 2 migratory periods were approximately equal in duration: 38 ± 2 days (SE) in fall and 42 ± 2 days (SE) in spring. Based on the observed connectivity pattern, conservation of Appalachian-breeding populations during the stationary nonbreeding period should focus on forest conservation and restoration in pre-montane/lower montane forests of Colombia and Venezuela, whereas Ozark-breeding population conservation should focus on forest conservation and restoration efforts in Ecuador and Peru. Further conservation efforts are also needed on the breeding grounds, especially for the most sharply declining populations. And finally, conservation of forests used by Cerulean Warblers during stopover periods throughout Central America and southern Mexico, in southeastern United States coastal areas, and in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley will benefit individuals from multiple breeding locations and populations.