WGS of Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

Migration is a complex behavior that has been switched multiple times throughout evolutionary history. However, it remains unclear whether the modulation of migration in different groups is due to parallel evolution, where the same genetic changes result in similar phenotypes, or convergent evolution, where different genetic changes result in the same phenotypes. Here we use genomic data across the breeding range of the Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) to both investigate population genetic structure andidentify candidate genes underlying the evolution of diverse migratory behaviors. We analyze genomic data from migratory and resident populations within the eastern and western groups with distinct evolutionary origins. Within three replicate migratory-resident comparisons, we use outlier analyses and selection scans to identify migration-linked candidate genes. We find evidence of parallel evolution at the genic level, particularly in genes linked to biological time keeping. However, we find little evidence of parallelism atthe individual SNP level, supporting the idea that there are multiple pathways to the propensity of migratory behavior.