How do birds keep from getting too light to fly at high altitude?
Quick Answer
Birds that fly at high altitude have lungs and air sacs that move oxygen very efficiently, plus blood adapted to carry oxygen well. Some species also have hemoglobin that works better in thin air.
The Full Story
Birds already have one of the most efficient respiratory systems in the animal kingdom, and high-flying species push it further. Air moves through the lungs in one direction, which helps maximize oxygen exchange. The bar-headed goose is a famous example: it migrates over the Himalayas, sometimes flying above 8,000 meters. Its oxygen-processing system allows it to function in air with much less oxygen than at sea level.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"How a goose can cross the Himalayas where the air is razor-thin"
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