Mtdna d-loop genetic diversity of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) migrating through Ukraine and Spain

Populations of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) have recently been declining in Europe. This is the first study of common quail in eastern Europe using molecular markers. The mtDNA D-loop genetic diversity of common quails migrating through Ukraine was analyzed and compared with that of birds migrating via northern Spain in 2017–2018. In samples from 77 birds, 32 polymorphic sites and 30 haplotypes (H1–H30) were identified, only 4 of which were common for birds sampled in both Ukraine and Spain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated 2 well-supported clades. Found were 3 haplotypes clustered in 1 phylogenetic clade only in common quails sampled in Ukraine. The results can be used for the identification of different flyways, particularly for common quails of eastern European origin.