An optimal switching approach for bird migration

Bird migration is an adaptive behavior that ultimately aims to optimize survival and reproductive success. We propose an optimal switching model in which migration behaviors are formulated as a stochastic optimal switching problem. In addition to considering the effect of stopover-site quality, we also account for the effect of information regarding conditions at the destination prior to arrival. For individuals with perfect information, we use numerical methods to evaluate the expected payoff and the corresponding optimal control. For individuals with partial information, we combine deterministic and stochastic simulations to investigate the associated strategy.