Mass mortality was observed among colony-breeding seabirds in the German Wadden Sea area of the North Sea during the summer months of 2022. Several species' colonies were affected, most notably sandwich terns (), common terns () and Germany's only northern gannet () colony on the island of Heligoland. Mortality in some tern colonies reached 40%, while other colonies were almost spared.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe spectacular natural phenomenon of avian migration is evidently shaped by physical factors, but we know little about the underlying physiological regulation. This contrast is especially apparent for the process of departure on a migratory flight. The decision to resume migration is shaped by a suite of departure cues from innate rhythms, and intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMost migrating birds make multiple stopovers to fuel and/or rest. The decision to resume migration from stopover is based on various cues, such as time within the season and wind conditions. There are hints that the strength of these departure cues shapes corticosterone level, which in its turn appears to regulate the timing of departure.
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