Scientists have explained why birds do not get tired flying over the ocean

Some species of migratory birds cross the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. At the same time, waterfowl can easily arrange a rest for themselves by simply splashing down. But how do land species survive? They travel thousands of kilometers without being able to rest. Scientists from Germany have found the answer to this question and it surprised many.

Previously, it was believed that birds during flights are guided solely by instincts. But German ornithologists have found out that not everything is so simple and migratory birds act consciously. They choose a route taking into account many factors so that the flight takes place with the least effort and without incident.

It is much more difficult for land birds to make transoceanic flights. They can't rest on the water and have to fly non-stop. For many years, scientists believed that they chose the narrowest places to cross large water barriers. But with the advent of GPS technology, this theory has shown its inconsistency.

Equipped with GPS beacons, the birds showed their complete disregard for distances. It became clear that they were guided by some of their own, more complex rules for building a route. Sometimes birds crossed the water not in the narrowest place and their motives could not be found out. At the same time, everyone was tormented by the question — how do they fight fatigue without having a break on the way.

The answer was found quite recently. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, Germany, studied 112 flights of land birds. Cases were considered when birds of different species crossed large water barriers. Studying flights, scientists compared all available data.

They found a connection between the flight route and weather conditions, as well as some other physical parameters. The answer was given to them by meteorological observations and air flow maps. Before setting off, birds analyze information about weather conditions and, taking them into account, determine the time and direction of the flight.

An important role in this is played by air flows and wind direction. Birds effectively use the tailwind and ascending air currents. The warmer the water is relative to the air, the greater the volume of air rushes upwards. The warm air, rising, supports the birds in the air, allowing them to significantly reduce the number of wing flaps and soar more, saving strength.

In 2017, science gave an answer to another, no less burning question. Scientists have finally explained why birds hide their beaks under their wings when they sleep.