Nature · 2
During its nonstop transoceanic migration, what two cues does the bar-tailed godwit primarily rely on to navigate without landing?
Answer
Magnetic fields and the sun
Researchers believe bar-tailed godwits use the Earth's magnetic field alongside solar position to maintain a consistent flight path across thousands of miles of featureless ocean.
💡 Did you know?
Bar-tailed godwits navigate 7,500 miles over open ocean without stopping, using only magnetic fields and the sun.
Other options people guess
- Star patterns and ocean currents
- Wind direction and coastline shapes
- Polarized light and landmark memory
Topics
- bird-migration
- arctic-birds
- navigation
- animal-behavior
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