Jet lag for birds? Study reveals clock chaos

Scientists have discovered that birds undertaking long-distance flights may experience a phenomenon akin to human jet lag. Research focusing on Manx shearwaters indicates that crossing the Atlantic at high speeds can disrupt their internal circadian rhythms, leading to navigational errors. These birds rely on the sun as a compass, and a mistimed internal clock can cause them to adjust their heading incorrectly as the sun moves across the sky.

This internal clock mismatch is precisely what causes jet lag in people. While further investigation is needed, the desynchronization could also affect other bird behaviors like feeding and rest, as shearwaters typically hunt near dawn and dusk. Even along familiar coastlines, the birds' reliance on their solar compass, influenced by clock errors, remained evident. Researchers are now exploring whether these birds have evolved mechanisms to cope with recurrent clock disruption.