Every year, migratory birds face a critical decision: should they travel in a way that saves energy, or in a way that saves time?
In this episode, we dive into a detailed study of the little ringed plover, a small shorebird that migrates thousands of kilometers between Europe and Africa. Using tiny tracking devices that recorded both movement and flight activity, scientists followed individual birds through their entire spring and autumn migrations.
The researchers wanted to test a long-standing idea in biology called optimal migration theory, which suggests birds choose strategies that minimize either energy use, time spent migrating, or risk. By comparing how long birds rested at stopover sites like a window bird feeder with how long they flew afterward, the scientists could tell which strategy the birds were using.
This episode shows that bird migration isn’t just about endurance—it’s about decision-making, flexibility, and responding to changing environments along the way. Understanding these strategies helps scientists predict how migration may change as climate and landscapes continue to shift.
