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Birds' Epic Ocean Flight Shrinks Due to Climate Change
14 Oct
Summary
- Banded dotterels' stay in Australia has shortened by 25%.
- Arrivals in Australia are delayed by four days annually.
- Climate change is altering bird migration timing and duration.
New Zealand's banded dotterels are undertaking a shorter migration to Australia, with their stay reduced by an estimated 25% over recent years. This unique west-bound journey of nearly 3,000 kilometers is shrinking as climate change alters the birds' internal migration clocks. Research indicates that while departure dates from New Zealand remain unchanged, arrivals in Australia are delayed by an average of four days each year.
The study, utilizing birdwatcher observations from 2014 to 2025, found that the birds' average stay in Australia has decreased from approximately 173 days to 129 days. This reduction is linked to shifts in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), a climate index affecting winds around Antarctica. Positive SAM trends are associated with milder conditions in New Zealand, potentially encouraging the dotterels to extend their time there.
Scientists suggest this shortening of their Australian sojourn could eventually lead to a behavioral extinction of migration, with the entire population remaining in New Zealand. This shift poses risks, making the species more vulnerable to harsh winters. Researchers are continuing to study individual birds using satellite tags to monitor changes in migration strategies and potential tipping points.
