Jet Lag Affects Seabirds During Long Flights

Manx shearwaters, seabirds known for their extensive flights over the North Atlantic, experience jet lag, a new study published in Science reveals. This phenomenon affects their navigation abilities, as these birds rely on the Sun for direction.

Researchers from the University of Oxford discovered that the birds' internal clocks become disrupted during long flights, causing a misalignment between their biological rhythms and the external environment. This disruption, similar to human jet lag, leads to navigational errors.

The study focused on Manx shearwaters, which are medium-sized birds with long wings, resembling albatrosses. These birds nest in burrows on coastal islands around the North Atlantic, with a significant population breeding in the UK and Ireland, particularly in Wales.

The research team, led by Patrick Lewin, a behavioral and sensory ecologist, tracked the birds' movements and found that their compass, which is based on the Sun's position, was skewed due to jet lag. This discovery highlights the impact of long-distance travel on the biological clocks of these seabirds.

The findings suggest that the internal clocks of Manx shearwaters are sensitive to changes in time zones, much like humans. This sensitivity can lead to significant navigational errors, affecting their ability to return to their nesting sites accurately.

This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by migratory birds and the importance of understanding their biological rhythms. The research underscores the need for further investigation into how environmental factors, such as time zone changes, impact the navigation and survival of these birds.