Abstract

Little is known about the routes, timing and potential drivers of migration among austral migrants of South America. To contribute to a better understanding, we studied the migration of the southern subspecies of Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis australis) from the southernmost tip of South America. Based on 11 tracks, we found that departure from the breeding grounds in fall (post-breeding migration) occurred within a wide temporal window, beginning on March 22 and finishing on May 17. Wintering grounds were identified between 51.2 degrees S and 31.9 degrees S, within the Patagonian steppe ecoregion. Migration distance ranged from 450 to 2500 km, with the longest distance registered for two females who were the first to depart for the outbound route and the latest to arrive at the breeding grounds upon their return, offering an indication of a differential migration pattern.