White-crowned sparrow RNA-seq
The white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys, is a passerine bird with a wide distribution and variation in seasonal behaviour, which has historically acted as a model species in studies on avian ecology, physiology and behaviour. We have generated a high-quality genome of the white-crowned sparrow, along with RNA-seq data from across different tissues and life history stages. We comprehensively compared the gene expression profile across different stages of the breeding cycle in both sexes. Genes important in different tissues were identified, including genes critical for reproductive behaviours. The genome assembly and the transcriptomic profile offers an important resource for the research community in understanding avian genome biology and development, and provides a genomic basis for understanding avian migration.