Long-distance migration is a remarkable phenomenon in the avian world, where birds travel thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds. Many species within the order Charadriiformes are expert migrants, undertaking some of the longest and most arduous journeys in the bird kingdom.
- Migration refers to the regular, seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.
- Charadriiformes include gulls, terns, sandpipers, and other shorebirds, many of which are accomplished long-distance migrants.
- Migration allows birds to exploit seasonal resources (food and breeding sites) that fluctuate in availability.
Migration is the seasonal movement of birds between breeding and non-breeding areas.
Charadriiformes are known for their migratory shorebird species.
Source Material
Author: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Document: Long-Distance Migration in Birds
Date Published: 2024
Migration Routes and Strategies
Charadriiformes use highly efficient routes and remarkable navigation skills to complete their migrations. Some species follow flyways, established aerial corridors that offer stopover sites for rest and refueling. Others migrate non-stop over vast oceanic stretches, relying on fat reserves.
- Flyways are major migratory routes linking breeding and wintering areas.
- Migration can be diurnal (daytime) or nocturnal (nighttime), depending on the species.
- Birds use magnetic fields, star patterns, the sun, and landmarks for orientation.
Flyways are the main routes birds use during migration.
Migratory birds use magnetic fields, celestial cues, sun position, and landmarks for navigation.
Birds travel along established flyways or direct routes.
They travel along established flyways connecting breeding and wintering regions.
They use magnetic fields, celestial cues, and landmarks.
Remarkable Migrants: Examples from Charadriiformes
Several Charadriiformes species are among the longest-distance migrants on Earth. The Sanderling (Calidris alba) breeds in the High Arctic and winters on tropical beaches worldwide. The Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) makes a round-trip migration from pole to pole, experiencing two summers each year and covering up to 70,000 km.
- The Arctic Tern holds the record for longest migration of any bird.
- Sanderlings can travel over 30,000 km annually.
- Many Charadriiformes time their migrations precisely to exploit peak food availability.
The Arctic Tern migrates between polar regions, covering the greatest distance.
Sanderling, Arctic Tern, and Red Knot are notable long-distance migrators.
The Arctic Tern is famous for its pole-to-pole migration.
Sanderlings can travel over 30,000 km each year.
Conclusion
Long-distance migration is a defining feature of many Charadriiformes, enabling them to exploit resources across the globe. Their incredible journeys highlight the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the evolutionary marvels of navigation and endurance.
- Charadriiformes include some of the most impressive migratory birds, traveling between poles and across oceans.
- Migration relies on extraordinary physiological adaptations and diverse navigational cues.
- Protecting migratory routes and stopover sites is essential for the conservation of these remarkable travelers.
Migration lets them use resources that are only seasonally available.
They face challenges like energy demands, habitat loss, and climate change.
The Arctic Tern undertakes the longest migration.