Manx Shearwaters Experience Jet Lag During Long-Distance Eastward Migrations
Oxford biologists discover that seabirds suffer from internal clock misalignment when flying east.
1Discovery of Avian Jet Lag
Researchers from the University of Oxford identified that Manx shearwaters experience jet lag while flying east. By analyzing two decades of GPS data, scientists observed that these seabirds suffer from internal clock misalignment. This phenomenon occurs because the birds' body clocks fall behind as they travel toward earlier sunrises.
2Methodology and Data Scope
The study, published in Science on October 29, 2026, utilized 3,688 foraging trips from 1,045 individual birds. Researchers tracked shearwaters from seven colonies, including Skomer and St Kilda. They repurposed hiker camera tags to log GPS coordinates every five minutes, providing a robust dataset to model the birds' complex navigation patterns.
3Sun Compass Navigation Mechanism
Shearwaters rely on a sun compass to navigate, which requires precise internal timing. When a bird flies east, the sun rises earlier than expected, causing a discrepancy between the bird's internal clock and local time. This misalignment forces the birds to drift clockwise, resulting in steering errors of up to 15 degrees.
4Impact on Flight Paths
The study revealed that birds consistently adjusted their flight paths based on these predicted errors. When errors pointed toward land, birds flew closer to the shore; when they pointed toward the sea, they flew further out. This behavior demonstrates how internal clock shifts directly influence the real-time navigational decisions of wild seabirds.
5Correction and Flight Efficiency
Adult birds appear capable of correcting their course during long flights. A bird starting 621 miles away with a 7-degree error would only fly about 3.1 miles extra to reach its colony. However, researchers hypothesize that young birds on their first migration may lack this corrective ability, potentially leading to significant navigational deviations.
6Comparison with Other Species
While Manx shearwaters navigate independently, other species like Caspian terns rely on parental guidance during their first migration. The Oxford team noted that individual flexibility plays a major role in migration patterns. Understanding these mechanisms helps biologists compare how different species manage the physiological demands of long-distance travel across varying time zones.
7Physiological and Health Uncertainties
The study does not yet confirm if jet lag causes physical harm to the birds. In humans, rapid travel across time zones disrupts sleep, fatigue, and organ function. Researchers are now investigating whether these seabirds experience similar physiological side effects or if they have evolved specific adaptations to mitigate these risks.
8Future Research Directions
Dr. Patrick Lewin and his team aim to determine if this lag impacts critical behaviors or survival rates. By studying these birds, scientists hope to gain insights into biological clocks that might eventually help humans manage jet lag. The research highlights how tracking natural movements reveals underlying behavioral mechanisms in wild animals.