Manipulation of photoperiod induces fat storage, but not fat mobilization in the migratory songbird, Dumetella carolinensis (Gray Catbird).

The annual cycle of migratory birds requires significant phenotypic remodeling. We sought to induce the migratory phenotype in Gray Catbirds by exposing them to a short-day light cycle. While adipose storage was stimulated, exceeding that typically seen in wild birds, other aspects of the migratory phenotype were unchanged.