Bar-tailed Godwits regularly travel more than 7,000 miles non-stop (audubon.org)

Article summary

Bar-tailed Godwits have been tracked making non-stop flights of over 7,000 miles, with one individual setting a record of 8,100 miles from Alaska to Australia. The birds are active flyers, not gliders, and their migrations are being studied using solar-powered location trackers. The tracking data has revealed surprising results, including the fact that young godwits undertake big, additional flights early on. The study aims to understand how the birds adapt to habitat loss and find new migratory routes.

Main themes

• bird migration
• tracking technology
• habitat conservation
• climate change
• wildlife biology
• navigation and orientation

What commenters say

• The ability of Bar-tailed Godwits to fly long distances without rest is impressive and not fully understood.
• The tracking devices used to study the birds' migrations are remarkably small and lightweight, but still pose a significant burden for some species.
• The birds' navigational skills are incredible, but not perfect, and may be influenced by various factors such as weather and habitat.
• The use of solar-powered trackers allows for real-time monitoring of the birds' movements, but may be affected by the birds' behavior, such as resting and feather coverage.
• The weight and placement of the trackers on the birds' bodies may have a significant impact on their flight and behavior.
• The study of Bar-tailed Godwits' migrations has implications for our understanding of climate change and habitat conservation.
• The technology used to track the birds' migrations is continually improving, with smaller and more efficient devices being developed.
• The birds' ability to adapt to changing environments and find new migratory routes is a testament to their resilience and remarkable biology.