A Week in Science, from RiAus, this week looks at bird migrations – feats of stamina that are hard to believe. The record migration is 40,000 kilometres and the record non-stop flight by a migrating bird more than 11,000 kilometres. How do they do it?
Here are some other links with information about the flights of migratory birds you might like.
Alaska Bird Makes Longest Nonstop Flight Ever Measured – Article from National Geographic
Tiny songbird northern wheatear traverses the world – Article from BBC
Arctic Tern – Article from Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Migration – Article from Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Academic Articles
Hedenström A et al., Extreme Endurance Migration: What Is the Limit to Non-Stop Flight?, PLoS Biology; 2010
You can follow RiAus on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn or sign up to their newsletter.
Originally published by Cosmos as The amazing stamina of migrating birds
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
