“The presence or absence of moon light has a considerable bearing on when migratory birds take flight in the autumn,” a new study from Sweden’s Lund University shows. European Nightjars, Caprimulgus europaeus was studies upon, and it was found that how the lunar cycle and moon light affects the departure time when the birds start their three month long migration flight to areas south of the Sahara.
The study also reveals that the birds begin their autumn migration south about ten days after the full moon, and that the individuals synchronize the migration and fly off more or less at the same time.
It was surprising that the lunar cycle and the time the birds spent on hunting insects co-vary so well. This in turn affects their migration pattern in such a way that they synchronize their flight, so that practically all of them fly off at the same time, that is, 10 days after the full moon.
Matter referenced from:
- The Speaking Tree, Times of India Publications; Ahmedabad Ed. October 20th, 2019, Species section pp.05- ‘Moon & Bird Migration’ by sciencedaily.com.
By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.
Happy to see Reviews, Additions, Suggestions and Comments, further.
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