The population history of the downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) in North America : insights from genetics, ecological niche modeling and bioacoustics / Paulo C. Pulgarín-Restrepo

Abstract

The last Quaternary ice age strongly influenced the distribution of most plants and animals. Here I used genetics, ecological niche modeling and bioacoustics to understand the possible historical patterns behind the current distribution of the Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) in North America. Analyses of mtDNA sequences and seven microsatellites loci suggest low genetic differentiation among populations (a maximum of two genetic groups), however population structure is subtle. Ecological niche modeling suggests several refugia SE of US, and some restricted areas east and west of the Rocky Mountains with ecological suitable conditions for the species at 18-21 kya. The analysis of the pik call suggested no geographic variation in the frequency and temporal variables studied. It is likely that the Downy Woodpecker expanded and colonized northern North America quickly after the LGM from a southern refugium