How Highways Help Birds

New research shows that animals can learn to follow man-made routes to make trips easier.

1 minute read

August 4, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

"The researchers analyzed data collected from more than 200 flights (about 50 kilometers long) made in the vicinity of Rome over three years. They report in the latest issue of Current Biology that the animals were more likely to follow roadways in the early and middle sections of their journeys, even if this sometimes made their trips longer. The scientists suggest that the early benefits of staying on course can compensate for the increased distances."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Highways Help Pigeons Find Their Way Home

Tuesday, August 3, 2004 in Scientific American

Transportation United States

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