PHYSIOLOGY OF BIRDS DURING MIGRATION AND STOP-OVER

CONVENORS
Dr. Wolfgang Goymann
Max-Planck-Institut for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Str. Haus 6a, D-82319 Seewiesen, Germany
Phone:  +49-8157 932 301, Fax:      +49-8157 932 285, Email:    goymann@orn.mpg.de

Dr. Leonida Fusani
Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
Phone:  +39-0532-455478, Fax.:     +39-0532-207143, Mobile: +39-348-4900160, Email:   leofusani@gmail.com

DESCRIPTION
Each fall a large proportion of northern hemisphere birds migrate south to spend the winter in a presumably more benign climate. In the following spring, they return to their breeding grounds to reproduce. The life-cycle stages of spring and fall migration are accompanied by major changes in the morphology and behaviour of birds. For example, before birds initiate migration, they accumulate fat. In some species, the morphology of the digestive tract may be altered dramatically. Birds may adapt to digest high protein diet and birds that are normally active only during the day become nocturnal. These changes in morphology and behaviour are accompanied by changes in physiology. For example, in nocturnal migrants melatonin levels are low compared to other life-cycle stages and corticosterone may be involved in the decision to stop-over or continue to fly. Which physiological factors contribute to the decision of an individual to initiate, interrupt or continue migration after stop-over? This symposium welcomes contributions dealing with physiological aspects of migration.

KEYNOTE 1: Fusani, L., and Goymann, W.
Physiological conditions predict nocturnal restlessness at a stopover site in wild migratory passerines

KEYNOTE 2: Bauchinger, U. and McWilliams, S. 
Tissue turnover rate determines extent of phenotypic flexibility in organ size of migrating birds

Jenni-Eiermann, S. , Falsone, K.           
Role of the glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone during migratory flight and fuelling

Carere, C., Cardinale, M. and Costantini, D.   
Physiological trade-offs in lean individual birds at stopover sites: interplay between glucocorticoids, oxidative stress, melatonin and body temperature in coping with emergency

Coppack, T.     
Rhythm is it! – Consistent flight schedules among wild-caught passerine migrants