Mark–Recapture and DNA Fingerprinting Data Reveal High Breeding-Site Fidelity, Low Natal Philopatry, and Low Levels of Genetic Population Differentiation in Flammulated Owls (Otus Flammeolus)

Abstract

AbstractOver a seven-year period, we used mark-recapture in a population of Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) in the Zuni Mountains, New Mexico, to estimate adult breeding-site fidelity, mate fidelity, natal philopatry, and dispersal distances. We also used DNA fingerprinting to examine the genetic population structure of Flammulated Owls among four mountain ranges in New Mexico and one range in Utah. Mark-recapture revealed that adults are site-faithful and tend to maintain pair bonds between years, whereas juveniles show little natal philopatry. DNA fingerprinting revealed very low differentiation among populations, even between the New Mexico and Utah ranges, with population subdivision (FST) estimates ranging from 0.00 to 0.04. Heterozygosity values were high within each mountain range and, together with the low FST values, suggest that this Neotropical migrant may have long-distance natal dispersal and frequent intermountain dispersal.Datos de Marcado-Recaptura y Huellas Dactilares de ADN Revelan Alta Fidelidad a los Sitios de Cría, Baja Filopatría Natal y Bajos Niveles de Diferenciación Genética Poblacional en Otus flammeolus