Flying Transformers: Birds Gear Up for Migration

[Staff]

Flying Transformers: Birds Gear Up for Migration
* By Brandon Keim Email Author
* September 10, 2009
* 3:17 pm

Flying Transformers: Birds Gear Up for Migration | Wired Science | Wired.com
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“This is one of those particularly amazing feats that animals do. It presents it with extreme difficulties. You’re basically looking at the limits of animal design,” said Scott McWilliams, a University of Rhode Island ecologist who specializes in the physiology of migrating birds.

In just a few days, their food intake rises by multiple orders of magnitude — the equivalent of having a hamburger for lunch on Monday, and 100 hamburgers on Friday. Of course, birds don’t eat junk food: even seed-eaters switch to insect-heavy diets rich in energy-dense polyunsaturated fats.

The fat is packed on aerodynamically, tucked in the lower back and wherever else it won’t add much drag. Some species, such as warblers, which can weigh less than an ounce but fly 2,500 miles without resting, double their body weights in preparation for the voyage.

[Staff]

Ways You Can Help Migratory Birds
National Wildlife Federation
http://www.nwf.org/birdsandglobalwarming/birdprofile.cfm?bird=Arctic+Tern
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Gardening Actions:

Create a place for wildlife
Make your yard a refuge for migratory birds.

Stop migratory birds from hitting your windows
Thousands of birds die each year on their migrations when hitting residential and commercial windows.

Create a haven for hummingbirds
Attract these tiny and colorful migrating birds.

Safe birdfeeding tips
The best food for birds comes from native plants, but if you offer feeders, here are some important tips.

Purchasing Actions:
Join NWF and help migratory birds
Your tax-deductible donation supports NWF's work to protect migratory birds and other imperiled wildlife. We'll acknowledge your gift with a complimentary plush animal. Thank you.

Buy bird-friendly coffee
Many birds spend the winter in South America. Help protect their homes from coffee growers. Purchasing this coffee also supports NWF.

The best food for birds comes from native plants, but if you offer feeders, here ...