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Wind selectivity and partial compensation for wind drift among nocturnally migrating passerines
James D McLaren1, Judy Shamoun-Baranes, Willem Bouten
1Computational Geo-Ecology Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics University of Amsterdam PO Box 9424 1090 GE Amsterdam Netherlands.
Summary
Migrating birds can improve arrival success by partially compensating for wind drift rather than strictly selecting favorable winds. This strategy balances departure opportunities with navigation accuracy for successful migration.
Area of Science:
- Avian ecology
- Animal migration
- Bioenergetics
Background:
- Wind conditions significantly influence bird migration timing, energy use, and flight paths.
- The degree of wind selectivity and drift compensation in nocturnal migrants is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how wind selectivity and partial drift compensation affect migration speed and arrival probability.
- To model the migration of juvenile Willow Warblers using an individual-based model (IBM).
Main Methods:
- Developed an IBM to simulate migration with varying wind selectivity and drift compensation.
- Tested tolerance to drift angle and transport cost for departure decisions.
- Utilized radar measurements of nocturnal migration to validate model parameters.
Main Results:
- Migration speeds were highest with partial compensation, tolerating up to 25% extra transport cost.
- Drift tolerance had a minor impact on speed, but arrival probability decreased with >20° drift tolerance.
- Radar data supported low drift tolerance, 25% transport cost tolerance, and partial compensation.
Conclusions:
- Juvenile passerines in non-supportive wind corridors benefit from partial drift compensation over strict wind selection.
- This strategy enhances opportunities for timely and accurate migration to destinations.
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