Cranes Base Their Migration Strategy on Shifting Environmental Conditions

Scientists used GPS tracking and statistical modeling to better understand the birds' routes

By Paul Smaglik
Sep 25, 2024 9:00 PM
Navigating Crane
An adult white-naped crane affixed with unique color bands to identify the individual in Mongolia. CREDIT: Wildlife Science and Conservation Center (WSCC) of Mongolia

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Many wonder how birds migrate vast distances. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences investigates that and also looks into the “where,” “when,” and “why” of avian travel. They found that birds flock to drastically different environmental conditions that meet different needs over the course of a year.

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