Characterization of 17 microsatellite loci for use in population genetic and mating system studies of the endangered North American passerine, loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)

Seventeen polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers were isolated from the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) using individuals from two geographically distinct populations (Ontario and mainland California). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 6 to 20 and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.639 to 0.902. All loci were heterozygous and private alleles were found for most. Combined non-exclusion probability of identity ranged from 0.047 to 0.122 in the Ontario population and 0.011–0.060 in the California population. Our results indicate that these markers will be useful for studies of genetic population structure, parentage and pedigree analysis.