Why do some birds migrate by night?
Quick Answer
Night migration helps birds avoid daytime heat and some predators, and it can make navigation by stars and magnetic cues easier. It also leaves the day free for feeding.
The Full Story
Many smaller migratory birds travel after sunset rather than in daylight. Cooler nighttime air can reduce overheating and water loss, and fewer raptors hunt at night, lowering predation risk. Flying at night also allows birds to feed during the day when they are not traveling. Some species use stars, the Moon, polarized light, and the Earth's magnetic field to navigate. Night migration is a well-documented strategy in warblers, thrushes, and many other songbirds.
Key Facts
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"Why many birds fly under the stars instead of in daylight."
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