Identification of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Principe seedeater (Serinus rufobrunneus) and assessment of their utility in nine other Serinus species (Fringillidae, Aves)

We tested 74 passerine microsatellite loci for cross-amplification in the Principe seedeater (Serinus rufobrunneus), and identified 15 loci that were both polymorphic and easy to score. In a sample of 113 individuals, the number of alleles ranged between three and 71. Three loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after correcting for multiple tests, and one locus had high estimated null allele frequency. These 15 loci were highly successful in amplifying polymorphic products also in nine other Serinus species