Estimation of the migration routes of Tiger Shrike Lanius tigrinus using light-level geolocators

Abstract

We attached light-level geolocators to three Tiger Shrike Lanius tigrinus, an endangered species in Japan, and succeeded in tracking their autumn migration. All three individuals migrated westward across Honshu from their breeding areas in northwest Honshu, then southward along the Asian continent, passing through the eastern Indochina Peninsula to their wintering grounds in Borneo. The eastern Indochina Peninsula is considered an important migratory stopover area, while Borneo Island is considered to be an important wintering area. Data were obtained from one of the individuals in spring, as it returned to its breeding grounds after following the same migratory route as in autumn, then passing through the Ryukyu Islands on its way towards Honshu. Although the number of tracks was limited, this study is the first to indicate migratory routes, specific stopover sites, and wintering areas of Tiger Shrike breeding in Japan.