A new study from Oxford University has found that migrating seabirds can suffer from a form of jet lag that may cause them to veer hundreds of miles off course. The research focused on Manx shearwaters along the west coast of the UK. Tracking data showed that when these birds returned from foraging trips across the Atlantic, their rapid eastward flights appeared to disrupt their internal body clocks and navigation abilities. Scientists discovered that the mismatch between the birds' biological rhythms and local time may cause disorientation. This temporal disconnection appears to be a significant but previously unrecognized challenge facing seabirds during their migrations. The findings highlight how even well-adapted species can be affected by the complex interplay between circadian rhythms and long-distance travel, potentially impacting their ability to return safely to nesting colonies.
Source: The Guardian.
