Fascinated by the phenomenon of bird migration, Miriam Liedvogel is particularly interested in answering the question of how migratory birds manage to cover long distances with great precision and which genes control this behaviour. To answer this question, she works with the blackcap, a bird species that shows strong variability in its migratory behaviour and is therefore an ideal candidate for investigating which genes control variation in migratory behaviour.

To study this variability in migratory behaviour, Miriam Liedvogel and her team use various methods. With the help of geolocator technology, the migration of blackcaps can be characterised in their natural habitat. Attached to the bird like a small backpack, the geolocator records its journey as light intensities, date and time. These data can be used to reconstruct the migratory route. To study the bird’s genes, blood samples are taken, and the DNA stored in the nucleated blood cells is used to sequence the genome.

Surprising and exciting results from geolocator technology include the finding that birds wintering in Great Britain do not come from one specific place, but breed in different locations across Europe, including Poland, Italy and France. DNA sequencing revealed differences in the genes of migratory and non-migratory blackcaps. In particular, genes are affected that control functions such as learning, energy balance and hunger regulation in the birds.

These findings are highly relevant. A better understanding of the genes that control migration could help us understand how ecological factors, such as climate, affect migration and alter the behaviour of populations. This could also make it possible to take measures to counteract the decline of endangered migratory bird species.

Here you can find the detailed video contribution with Miriam Liedvogel on the topic How Do Genes Allow Migratory Birds to Travel with Such Precision?