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Storm petrels trade movement speed for information gain
Federico De Pascalis1, Francesco Ventura2, David Grémillet3,4
1Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
Biology Letters
|May 12, 2026
Summary
Small seabirds like Mediterranean storm petrels use crosswinds for navigation and foraging, despite potential energy costs. This strategic wind use highlights their adaptability in marine environments.
Area of Science:
- Animal behaviour
- Avian ecology
- Marine biology
Background:
- Oceanic birds undertake extensive journeys, with airflow influencing travel.
- Dynamic soaring is understood in large species, but flapping flight in small seabirds remains less explored.
- Mediterranean storm petrels (Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis) are small, long-distance oceanic birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how small seabirds utilize wind during flight.
- To understand the trade-offs between movement efficiency and sensory information gain in storm petrels.
- To explore the role of wind in navigation and foraging strategies of small flying animals.
Main Methods:
- GPS-tracking data from 28 g Mediterranean storm petrels.
- Analysis of wind use at meso- and macroscales.
- Assessment of groundspeeds and drift compensation during homing.
Main Results:
- Storm petrels actively sought crosswind support over long distances.
- Reliance on crosswinds led to reduced groundspeeds and increased energy expenditure for drift compensation.
- Crosswind use may enhance navigation (odor maps) and prey detection (olfaction).
Conclusions:
- Storm petrels may trade movement efficiency for increased sensory information.
- Seabirds exhibit adaptability in exploiting wind patterns for survival.
- This study provides insights into aerial life adaptations in marine ecosystems.
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