Scientists have named a bird that can fly more than 11 thousand km without rest
Many people at least once in their lives dreamed of having wings, but birds not only have this part of the body, but they can also fly for a long time, some of them without stops, food and water.
Birds have a superpower that people can only dream of – they can fly. The ability to fly means being able to move quickly, and some birds, such as geese, are known for migrating up to 2,400 km in 24 hours, writes Grunge.
This is an impressive feat, but there are birds that cover much greater distances. For example, a relatively small shore bird, the bartail godwit, with an unusually long beak, made the longest flight ever recorded by scientists.
According to experts, the godwit is able to overcome more than 11 thousand km without stopping. Even more impressive is the fact that godwit are active fliers, meaning their wings are in motion throughout their flight, unlike the albatross.
Incredible Flyers
Experts have been tracking these birds since 2007 and found that they regularly cover up to 11 thousand km.
Some godwit species are known to travel from Australia to New Siberia, while others migrate from New Zealand to Alaska.
Experts have been tracking these birds since 2007 and found that they regularly cover up to 11,000 km. In the spring, these shorebirds are found along fertile coastlines, where they find plenty of food among beaches and swamps. They also lay their eggs in grassy nests in spring.
In June or July they start their long journey home, where some stop in the Americas or North Africa to feed. Others do not stop at all, spending 8 days on a flight without rest.
The Secret of the Godwit
Godwit has a different way of storing and disposing of fat than many other creatures.
Like most migratory birds, godwit have incredible skills that allow them to navigate the terrain. To make such long flights, birds must be able to navigate, keep track of time, estimate distance, and even predict the weather. But the most important thing they need to do before flying is to put on enough fat to give them energy for the long journey.
It is important to note that godwits have a different way of storing and disposing of fat than many other creatures. While the body of these birds burns fat, it also produces carbon dioxide and water, which are stored in fat. This “superpower” allows them to survive without drinking any water for days on end.
Not without biology
Godwitches’ bodies and wings are aerodynamic, and their respiratory system allows them to survive on less oxygen.
Godwitches’ bodies and wings are aerodynamic, and their respiratory system allows them to survive on less oxygen as they soar above sea level, where there is less oxygen than on land.
Scientists’ research shows that before flying, their pectoral muscles, heart, and lungs double or triple in size, while their stomach, liver, intestines, and kidneys decrease in size. These changes return to normal after the birds reach their destination.
Moreover, these amazing creatures have another ability that many people would probably like to have – they can sleep during the flight.
This is because their brains are unihemispheric, which allows them to experience non-REM sleep. This means that one side of their brain is asleep while the other is awake until they get to their destination.
