Molecular markers provide insights into contemporary and historic gene flow for a non‐migratory species

摘要: Hairy woodpeckers Picoides villosus are a common, year round resident with distinct plumage and morphological variation across North America. We genotyped 335 individuals at six variable microsatellite loci analyzed 322 mtDNA control region sequences in order to examine the role of contemporary historical barriers gene fl ow. In addition we combined genetic analyses ecological niche modelling test if hairy were isolated northern refugia (Alaska, Newfoundland Queen Charlotte Islands) during last glacial maximum. Genetic revealed that ow among American woodpecker populations is restricted, but not extent predicted for sedentary species. Populations clustered into two main groups, east west Great Plains south Rocky Mountains north. Contact zones between groups exist central British Columbia Washington, narrow. Within each group found additional population structure breaks subgroups geographic corresponding forested habitat physical like open expanses water. Population patterns have resulted from isolation multiple southern current distribution resulting post-glacial expansion subsequent reduction While Alaska, Islands genetically other populations, no evidence these areas acting as throughout Pleistocene. Atlantic Canada contained unique haplotypes raising possibility separate colonization rest eastern Canada. Th e endemic subspecies on island their closest mainland unlike Island subspecies.