What migratory route is committed to by the nominate subspecies, *P. t. trochilus*?

Answer

A southwesterly route across the Iberian Peninsula to West Africa.

The Willow Warbler population is functionally divided based on established subspecies that follow distinct migratory paths south from their breeding grounds in Europe and Siberia. The nominate subspecies, identified specifically as *P. t. trochilus*, breeds further west and south within the overall range. Its inherent migratory program directs it along a southwesterly trajectory. This path requires the birds to cross the Iberian Peninsula, leading them specifically to wintering grounds located in West Africa. This contrasts sharply with the northern subspecies, *P. t. acredula*, which takes a more southeasterly route over the Balkans.

What migratory route is committed to by the nominate subspecies, *P. t. trochilus*?
speciesbirdevolutionWillow Warbler