Using parasite lineages to track the migratory patterns of the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

Our current understanding of the migratory patterns of migratory bird species is limited. The objective of this study was to determine whether haemosporidian parasite lineages could be used to detect geographic structure in common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas). We found a 52.7% overall prevalence. Of those infections identified to genus, 81% were Plasmodium, 5% were Haemoproteus , and were Leucocytozoon. We found a significant difference in the prevalence of different genera among the regions and in the proportion of Plasmodium infections versus other parasites among region. There were three unique Haemoproteus lineages, two unique Leucocytozoon lineages, and thirteen unique Plasmodium lineages. When we compared the lineage distribution of the six Plasmodium lineages that were found in eight or more birds, they were significantly different among regions. In conclusion, parasite lineages show geographic structure in common yellowthroats, but are not useful as a marker of breeding range origin.