For migrating birds ... it pays to be fat!

2010-02-19

Birds with high levels of body fat take shorter refuelling stops on migration, allowing them to reach their breeding grounds faster and claim the best nesting sites, new research shows. The findings, published in the journal Biology Letters, highlight the importance of maintaining migratory birds' nesting sites, as the birds can only complete their migration if they have access to sites along the way that are rich in foods such as insects, nectar and pollen.

Small migratory birds sometimes need to take a break to replenish their fat reserves, especially after crossing vast oceans or deserts......

Source: For migrating birds ... it pays to be fat!

Link: Climate linked to smaller birds