• DOI:10.1126/science.aaf4374
Corpus ID: 206648100

Frigate birds track atmospheric conditions over months-long transoceanic flights

@article{Weimerskirch2016FrigateBT,
  title={Frigate birds track atmospheric conditions over months-long transoceanic flights},
  author={H. Weimerskirch and C. Bishop and T. Jeanniard-du-Dot and A. Prudor and G. Sachs},
  journal={Science},
  year={2016},
  volume={353},
  pages={74 - 78}
}

• H. Weimerskirch, C. Bishop, +2 authors G. Sachs
• Published 2016
• Environmental Science, Medicine
• Science

Understanding how animals respond to atmospheric conditions across space is critical for understanding the evolution of flight strategies and long-distance migrations. We studied the three-dimensional movements and energetics of great frigate birds (Fregata minor) and showed that they can stay aloft for months during transoceanic flights. To do this, birds track the edge of the doldrums to take advantage of favorable winds and strong convection. Locally, they use a roller-coaster flight… Expand

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