Migration and species diversity in the tropics

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1974 Feb;71(2):339-40. doi: 10.1073/pnas.71.2.339.

Abstract

If the young of a dominant species are subjected to disproportionately heavy predation, this, together with a limitation on food, can promote a high species diversity. This is seen among tropical birds, which are simultaneously exposed to both conditions to a far greater degree than are Temperate Zone species. Migration to the Temperate Zones during the spring provides a release from these restraints, while also precluding breeding in the Tropics.