Cornelius JM, Boswell T, Jenni-Eiermann S, Breuner CW, Ramenofsky M. Contributions of endocrinology to the migration life history of birds.
Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013;
190:47-60. [PMID:
23602795 DOI:
10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.03.027]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Revised: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Migration is a key life cycle stage in nearly 2000 species of birds and is a greatly appreciated phenomenon in both cultural and academic arenas. Despite a long research tradition concerning many aspects of migration, investigations of hormonal contributions to migratory physiology and behavior are more limited and represent a comparatively young research field. We review advances in our understanding of the hormonal mechanisms of migration with particular emphasis on the sub-stages of the migration life history: development, departure, flight and arrival. These sub-stages vary widely in their behavioral, ecological and physiological contexts and, as such, should be given appropriate individual consideration.
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