Science1 min read

Seabirds racing home over the ocean can get jet-lagged

By · Via Ars Technica · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Returning seabirds face physiological stress as they travel rapidly across the ocean on their return journeys. These rapid migrations over the open water prevent their bodies from adjusting smoothly to changing time zones. The resulting disorientation mirrors human jet lag due to the high pace of their transit.

Key points

  • Rapid journeys across the ocean can disrupt the internal clocks of returning seabirds.: Rapid journeys across the ocean can disrupt the internal clocks of returning seabirds.
  • High-speed ocean travel poses specific physiological adjustment hurdles for migratory bir…: High-speed ocean travel poses specific physiological adjustment hurdles for migratory birds returning home.
  • Fast migratory transit over maritime distances leads directly to jet lag in seabirds.: Fast migratory transit over maritime distances leads directly to jet lag in seabirds.

A long flight home from feeding grounds messes with birds' internal clocks.

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