ESA research news: March 31, 2022
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
Bird Migration
Articles tagged with Bird Migration
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Light pollution increasing year round for some migrating birds
A study found that light pollution levels are increasing in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Southeastern US, Mexico, and Central America, threatening nocturnal migrating bird populations. The authors suggest reversing light pollution trends to save a substantial number of migrating birds.
Like father like child – male parents lead young birds on first migration
A study published in Nature Communications found that male Caspian terns carry the main responsibility for teaching young birds the secrets of migration during their first journey. Young birds always remained close to an adult bird and died if they lost contact, highlighting the importance of experienced adults guiding them to survive.
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains not seen in migrating wild birds
Researchers whole-genome sequenced 375 Salmonella enterica strains from wild birds collected in 41 US states to examine bacterial resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals. They found that only 1% of isolates were multi-antimicrobial resistant, with all cases isolated from waterbirds or raptors, not songbirds.
Black swifts descended rapidly during lunar eclipse
Researchers found that black swifts rise to extreme heights at night during a full moon, reaching altitudes of up to 4000 meters. During a lunar eclipse, the birds simultaneously lost altitude, suggesting moonlight plays a crucial role in their flight dynamics.
Following the inner compass: How birds find their ways to foreign lands
Researchers discovered that juvenile birds rely heavily on their in-built compass during the first migratory flight, bypassing easier coastal routes. The brain's head direction cells exhibit a preference for the north orientation, even when faced with unfamiliar environments, suggesting an innate ability to navigate.
Emily Cohen awarded NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities
Assistant Professor Emily Cohen at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science received a $750,000 NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities. This research aims to fill critical gaps in understanding animal migration by considering migratory animals as networks of ecological interactions.
Pacific Ocean as the greatest theater of bird migration
Researchers found that migratory birds, such as bar-tailed godwits and whimbrels, can fly for up to 9 days at a time, more efficiently than previously thought. The birds also demonstrate exceptional meteorological knowledge, adapting their routes to weather systems over long distances.
The perilous migratory journey of the eastern whip-poor-will
Researchers found that eastern whip-poor-wills from the Midwest breed in a small area of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and east Texas before migrating to Mexico and Central America. The birds' synchronized trip south poses a danger to their population, which has declined by nearly 70% due to habitat loss and urban bird collisions.
Arctic birds connect the world: Biologging tech tracking of nearctic seabirds surprise scientists with diverse migratory paths from shared breeding site
Scientists used biologging tech to track three seabird species taking different migration routes from a shared Canadian Arctic nesting location. The study adds evidence linking marine biodiversity in the Arctic region to high seas conservation efforts. Local coastal communities are connected through these Arctic seabirds' migrations.
Energy-saving strategy helps hummingbirds fuel their long migrations
A study published in eLife reveals that Ruby-throated hummingbirds employ an energy-conserving strategy called torpor to build fat stores for their 5,000-kilometre migrations. The birds adapt this strategy to conserve energy during different periods of the annual cycle.
Migratory birds have lighter-colored feathers
Researchers found that migratory bird species tend to be lighter colored than non-migratory species, reducing the risk of overheating during extreme journeys. The study's findings suggest that lighter plumage coloration helps birds absorb less heat and stay cooler in the hot sun.
Extent of migration of sooty terns presents conservation challenges
Researchers used GLS tracking data to study sooty terns' migration patterns, showing they range up to 2,900 km from breeding colonies and cover 47,000 km during an eight-month migratory period. The largest breeding population of terns is on Ascension Island, which was designated a Marine Protection Area in 2019.
Climate change and human pressure mean migration may be “no longer worth it”, say researchers
Researchers warn that climate change and human pressure have eroded benefits of long-distance migration for animals, leading to lower reproductive success and higher mortality. This has serious consequences for ecosystem structure and function, with many species unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Feather analysis tracks origin of migrating hawks and falcons
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new tool to aid in the conservation of critical habitats by tracking the migratory patterns of wide-ranging hawks and falcons. By analyzing isotopes from the feathers of young birds, scientists can pinpoint their likely origins with surprising precision.
Surprising discovery in Arctic songbird may reveal how it survives challenging migrations
A recent study reveals that snow buntings maintain their winter-level cold endurance while migrating to the high Arctic, despite a 60% population decline over 45 years. This finding suggests that these birds have an unexpected ability to cope with harsh weather conditions.
Bird poop reveals that when birds migrate, their gut bacteria change
Researchers tracked individual Kirtland's Warblers and found that their gut bacteria differed in The Bahamas and Michigan. This suggests that birds' microbiomes adapt to changing environments during migration.
How land birds cross the open ocean
Researchers tracked five species of large land birds flying nonstop over the open ocean, exploiting wind and uplift conditions to save energy. The study reveals that many land birds rely on atmospheric support to complete their migrations, making them vulnerable to climate change.
Long-term monitoring shows protected areas safeguard bird populations and support federal and state mandates
A new study by Point Blue Conservation Science found that protected areas in central coastal California effectively safeguard bird populations from decline. The research analyzed population trends of 14 bird species and found that 9 had better population trends within protected areas compared to average trends outside.
Surprising insights into the migration pattern of world’s farthest-migrating species
Researchers found that Arctic terns take similar routes on both southbound and northbound migrations, with coastal routes driven by food availability and oceanic routes influenced by wind. The study's findings suggest the establishment of mobile marine protected areas to conserve Arctic tern populations.
Temperature cues for bird migration
Research reveals that Asian houbara birds use internal temperature cues to fine-tune their migration departure times, adapting to annual temperature variability without genetic changes. Temperature cues are more consistently used than other environmental factors like daylight length or wind velocity.
Astonishing altitude changes in marathon flights of migratory birds
Great snipes and great reed warblers have been found to fly at much higher altitudes during the day than at night, with one bird reaching an altitude of 8,700 meters. This pattern may be a general trait among migratory birds, which could help explain their behavior and migration patterns.
During epic migrations, great snipes fly at surprising heights by day and lower by night
During their marathon flights, great snipes change elevation depending on time of day, typically flying higher in daylight to escape heat and finding a behavior that's optimal for them. They reach astonishing altitudes, with one bird flying as high as 8,700 meters, nearly as high as Mount Everest.
Bird migration takes plants in wrong direction to cope with climate change
Research shows that migratory birds disperse seeds to warmer latitudes, which can be counterproductive for plant adaptation to climate change. The study suggests that only a few species of migratory birds have the potential to help plants move to cooler latitudes and adapt to changing conditions.
Smaller bodies, longer wings, earlier migrations: Untangling the multiple impacts of climate warming
A University of Michigan-led research team found that birds are migrating earlier, but their bodies have been getting smaller and wings longer. The study used museum specimens from bird collisions in Chicago to analyze long-term trends in bird migration timing.
Enormous flock of declining shorebird discovered in South Carolina
A massive flock of over 20,000 whimbrel has been discovered on Deveaux Bank in South Carolina, marking the world's largest known night roost for the declining shorebird species. The discovery provides critical hope for protecting this rare bird and highlights the importance of coastal habitat conservation.
Darkened windows save migrating birds
A new study found that darkening even some windows at night during bird migration periods could reduce bird collisions by 60%. Researchers analyzed data from McCormick Place convention center and found that half of the building's windows being illuminated resulted in 11 times fewer nighttime bird collisions during spring migration.
Bird collisions and urban light pollution
Bird collisions in Chicago are significantly correlated with high-intensity local migration, decreased moon illumination, and increased offshore winds. Minimizing building lighting at night may reduce collision rates among nocturnally migrating birds, according to a study by Benjamin Van Doren et al.
Swifts set new record for swiftness
Researchers tracked swifts using miniature technology and found they can migrate 570 kilometers a day, with some journeys reaching over 830 kilometers. The birds use a 'fly-and-forage' strategy, fueling and foraging along the way to reduce fuel costs and maximize speed.
UM scientist joins team partnering with UN's initiative to map ungulate migrations
A new global atlas of ungulate (hoofed mammal) migrations will help stakeholders identify threats and create conservation measures to sustain them. The initiative, partnering with the UN's Convention on Migratory Species, aims to raise awareness globally of the issues faced by ungulates.
Migratory songbirds climb to extreme altitudes during daytime
Great reed warblers migrate at high altitudes during day to avoid heat, contradicting typical nocturnal behavior. Researchers tracked birds using data loggers, finding they flew up to 5400 meters at dawn.
Nocturnal migrant songbirds climb to great heights during extended flights over barriers
Great reed warblers climb to record-breaking daytime cruising altitudes of up to 6,200 meters when crossing the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert. This previously unknown behavior may help explain the evolution of nocturnal migration in migratory birds.
Reduction in wetland areas will affect Afrotropical migratory waterbirds
A new study warns that major reductions in wetlands will disproportionately affect Afrotropical migratory waterbirds. The research highlights the urgent need for a holistic conservation strategy to address climate change impacts.
Backyard bird feeding sparks a songbird 'reverse migration'
Research shows Eurasian Blackcaps, a widespread warbler species, are adapting to changing climate by reversing their migration patterns to spend winters in British Isles backyard gardens. These birds have a steady food supply and better body condition, allowing them to move less and avoid predators more effectively.
Weather radar for ecological forecasting can lessen hazards for migratory birds
Researchers used weather radar to create a forecasting system for nocturnal bird migration in the US, finding that just 10 nights of action can reduce risk by 50% for avian migrants passing over an area. This data enables more 'mindful' approaches to protect migrating birds from threats like light pollution and collisions with structures.
Pumice the key to solving seabird mass death mystery
Researchers used pumice from an underwater volcanic eruption to determine the cause of a mass death of migrating seabirds. The study found that birds were starving and eating non-food materials like pumice stones due to lack of food, indicating broader health issues for the marine ecosystem.
Migration routes of one of Britain's largest ducks revealed for the first time
New research reveals the length, speed, and flight heights of Shelduck migration across the North Sea, showing interactions with offshore wind turbines. The study used solar-powered GPS tags to track four birds, finding that they all ended their migration in almost exactly the same place despite taking different routes.
Whooping cranes steer clear of wind turbines when selecting stopover sites
A new study found that whooping cranes migrate around wind turbines to select safe rest and refueling locations. The researchers suggest placing infrastructure outside migration corridors to mitigate negative impacts on bird populations.
CSU's Kyle Horton leads NASA study on impact of artificial light on migratory birds
A new NASA-funded project aims to understand the effects of cities as ecological traps for migrating birds. Researchers will use radar data and community science tools to count up to 1.1 million birds in urban areas, measuring their behavior and impact on populations.
Scientists find strongest evidence yet of 'migration gene'
Researchers identified a single gene, ADCY8, associated with migration in peregrine falcons, which is also linked to long-term memory. The study predicts that climate change may lead to population decline and migration patterns changes in western Eurasian peregrines.
Migratory birds track climate across the year
A new study found that individual yellow warblers exhibit similar climatic preferences across their migratory range, tracking dry or wetter areas rather than warmer or cooler ones. This adaptation could help the species respond to changing climate conditions.
Birds can 'read' the Earth's magnetic signature well enough to get back on course
Researchers at Bangor University discovered that birds displaced beyond their normal migratory route can still use the Earth's magnetic signature to find their way back, a feat known as true navigation. The Eurasian reed warbler was found to be able to extrapolate its position from magnetic signals even when far beyond familiar territory.
Less light, more trees assist migrating birds
A study found that urban tree canopy cover and reduced light pollution during migration seasons contribute to higher species richness. Conversely, higher levels of artificial light at night were associated with lower species counts, particularly during winter and summer.
Migrating animals 'live fast and die young'
Researchers found that migrants develop faster, produce offspring earlier, and die younger due to energy constraints. This could explain the decline of many migratory species as they may struggle to adapt to changes in habitats and climate.
Migration and molt affect how birds change their colors
Feather color changes in birds are influenced by molt, which is necessary for flight and attracts mates. Birds that migrate farther distances replace more feathers during their journeys.
Study: Most migratory birds rely on a greening world
A new study from Cornell University confirms that most birds synchronize their migrations with seasonal vegetation changes, but carnivores and insect-eaters show weaker ties. Climate change threatens these patterns as vegetation cues become less reliable.
Mapping out rest stops for migrating birds
A new metric, stopover-to-passage ratio, helps determine when birds fly over a site or stop to refuel or rest. The study reveals critical importance of habitats around the US Gulf Coast for sustaining migratory birds, with over half stopping at these sites.
Rare pattern observed in migrating common swifts
The study reveals a unique chain migration pattern in common swifts, where populations from southern Europe arrive in Africa before those from northern Europe, driven by food availability. This adaptation allows the species to ensure continuous access to energy-rich insects, enabling them to survive for over 20 years.
CSU's Kyle Horton leads $1 million NSF project to study migratory birds and bats
A team led by CSU Assistant Professor Kyle Horton will study the migratory behavior of Mexican free-tailed bats, tree swallows, and purple martins over three years. The project aims to understand the causes of declining populations due to climate change and habitat changes.
For rufous hummingbirds, migration looks different depending on age and sex
Research reveals distinct migration routes for rufous hummingbirds based on their age and sex, with key differences in timing, distance, and geographic distribution.
New bird checklists from Coiba National Park, Panama
A new bird checklist from Jicarón and Jicarita islands in Coiba National Park reveals 23 previously unrecorded species, including 10 endemic subspecies and 29 migratory birds. The islands' unique terrain supports a variety of bird species, with some rare migrants recorded.
Weather and spring migration in birds
A recent study suggests that long-distance migratory birds are not declining due to an inability to advance their spring migration timing in response to climate change. Instead, improvements in wind conditions and land-use changes play a major role in shaping bird population sizes.
URI researcher: Antioxidant-rich diet reduces stress response during bird migration
Researchers found that birds consuming dietary antioxidants before and during fall migration can reduce their endocrine stress response. This reduction in stress may be a major benefit for birds, allowing them to perform better during long-distance flights.
Range shifts in eastern North American birds
Studies found that migratory bird species shifted their breeding ranges northward, while resident species expanded their ranges in response to climate change. This suggests that some species may be resilient to future changes, but others may face greater vulnerability.
Hunting threatens one of the world's most amazing wildlife migrations
Migratory shorebird species in the Asia-Pacific region are under threat from widespread and unsustainable hunting. The study found that hundreds of thousands of birds are killed annually, with several species on the brink of extinction.
Revealed: the secret life of godwits
A new study using geolocators shows that black-tailed godwits always start a second nest if their first one fails, revealing a longer breeding season than previously thought. This challenges traditional observation methods, which often disturb the birds' behavior and lead to inaccurate data.
Whooping cranes form larger flocks as wetlands are lost -- and it may put them at risk
Researchers found that whooping crane conservation efforts may inadvertently put the species at risk due to large flock formation. The birds gather in proportionally larger groups as they lose their habitat, increasing the potential impact of disease outbreaks or extreme weather events on a substantial portion of the population.
American robins now migrate 12 days earlier than in 1994
A new study reveals that American robins are migrating earlier by about five days each decade, likely due to shifting snow conditions. The birds' flight schedules are being fine-tuned by environmental cues such as snow conditions and when food becomes available.
6,000-8,000 km round trip flight of migratory wading birds tracked
Researchers tracked the migration routes of little ringed plovers, a freshwater wader species, covering 3,108-4,226km over 32-136 days. The study found rice paddy fields to be their preferred wintering sites, with increased reliance during non-breeding seasons.
Bird migration timing skewed by climate, new research finds
Research analyzing nocturnal bird migration found spring migrants arriving earlier than in previous years due to warming temperatures. This shift in migration timing may have negative consequences for migratory birds, as they rely on food and resources that are out of sync with their passage.