Bird migration means variability. The blackcap is particularly variable in this respect.

There are different populations of blackcaps: some travel long distances, while others fly only short partial routes or do not migrate at all. These populations also fly in different directions and find their wintering grounds without being taught. How does the blackcap do this? What role do genes play? And how exactly does research on migratory birds and their genes work?

You can learn the answers to these questions and much more about bird migration and migratory bird research on Deutschlandfunk in the Podcast Zwischentöne with Miriam Liedvogel.