Among bird species, migration is the rule rather than the exception. Birds have the options and theoretical possibilities to choose various migratory strategies and make use of vastly diverse navigation and orientation systems. One characteristic of bird migration is its variability, both within and among species. Particularly fascinating are young birds on their first migratory journey covering thousands of kilometres that often spans continents. These tiny birds, weighing less than 20 grams, travel to wintering areas they have never been before - without the guidance of their parents, but with amazing accuracy! How do they do this?

From quantitative genetics analysis of selection experiments we know that variation in migratory behaviour, as well as physiological and morphological adaptations to migration, are largely due to genetic differences. With our research we want to identify and map the genes behind the components shaping the migratory phenotype. We want to understand: What is the genetic basis of migration, and which signalling pathways are associated with variation of the migratory phenotype?

Our research aims at understanding evolutionary history, genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of bird migration behaviour and integrates several fields and disciplines. Specifically, we combine evolutionary genomics (genomes, demography, evolutionary signatures) with cutting-edge behavioural studies (tracking of migratory routes in small songbirds, carefully controlled behavioural experiments) and neurobiological approaches (expression profiling, signalling pathways of focal brain areas at increasing resolution).