Innate factors and ontogeny determine nonbreeding areas of migrant songbirds

A study published in Science journal in June 2026 examined how migratory songbirds determine their nonbreeding areas. The research demonstrated that innate factors and ontogeny, which is the development of an individual during its lifetime, influence the selection of these areas. The results suggest that these factors are crucial in shaping the migratory behavior of birds. The study was published in Volume 392, Issue 6805 of Science journal, on pages 1375-1379. The findings contribute to a better understanding of migratory patterns in songbirds and their ecological needs.