How to translate text using browser tools
1 May 2006 DO NEARCTIC NORTHERN WHEATEARS (OENANTHE OENANTHE LEUCORHOA) MIGRATE NONSTOP TO AFRICA?
Kasper Thorup, Kasper Thorup, Troels Eske Ortvad, JØrgen RabØl
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

We present data suggesting that Northern Wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa) breeding in West Greenland and Canada may be able to accomplish migration to their wintering grounds in West Africa in one direct, transatlantic crossing of more than 4000 km (great circle distance). This conclusion is based on analyses of wing lengths, body weights, and timing of departure from West Greenland and arrival on an island 350 km off the coast of Morocco. Previously, it has been suggested that Nearctic wheatears migrate to Africa by a two-step journey, the first leg comprising a shorter transatlantic crossing to western Europe. A long, direct flight has previously been considered unfeasible as the predicted flight costs were considered to be too high. However, recent insights in aerodynamic theory make these long ocean crossings appear more feasible, especially when taking the use of tailwinds into account.

Kasper Thorup, Kasper Thorup, Troels Eske Ortvad, and JØrgen RabØl "DO NEARCTIC NORTHERN WHEATEARS (OENANTHE OENANTHE LEUCORHOA) MIGRATE NONSTOP TO AFRICA?," The Condor 108(2), 446-451, (1 May 2006). https://doi.org/10.1650/0010-5422(2006)108[446:DNNWOO]2.0.CO;2
Received: 5 April 2005; Accepted: 1 January 2006; Published: 1 May 2006
KEYWORDS
maximum flight range
migration
Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa
transoceanic flights
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top