The Blackpoll Warbler Is No Simple Songbird As Proven By Its Incredible 3-day Non-Stop Migration Flight To South America
The tiny Blackpoll Warblers breed in North American boreal forests before making their way to northern South America for the winter. These birds take migration to a higher stratosphere.
Once the Blackpoll Warblers leave their breeding areas, they fly continuously for three days straight over the Atlantic Ocean. The 12-gram birds end their 2,770 km migration journey in their Amazon wintering grounds.
Their incredible 72 to 80-hour flight was and still is the subject of years of documentation and studies. The diminutive birds prepare for their arduous journey by almost doubling their weight.
These birds can weigh as much as 20 grams before their transoceanic flight and lose at least four grams by the time they reach South America. For visualization's sake, these birds are about the weight of a ballpoint pen or an empty soda can.
The Blackpoll Warblers are not easy birds to spot, even for the most experienced bird enthusiast. They prefer perching on tall trees and have inconsistent foraging schedules.
Although you may not see them easily, these birds will certainly make their presence known. They have the highest-known pitch for any songbird.
The frequency of their songs can reach up to 10,000 Hz. Unfortunately, the Blackpoll Warbler is one of the fastest-depleting songbirds of their kind.
This fascinating tiny bird captured the attention of a lot of Reddit users
u/camwynyaWho would have guessed that behind its unassuming coloring that this bird is as incredible as it is?
National Park Services / Nick SaundersThat would be an interesting comparison to read. Just how much energy do they spend during that thousand-mile flight?
AnthillOmbudsmanWe need to be directed to the study that makes this comparison!
camwynyaThey apparently bulk up before they migrate to South America but do they no eat at all during the 3-day flight?
invent_or_dieThe theory is that the catch small insects mid-flight to sustain them on their long journey but it is pure speculation that's yet to be proven
camwynyaThat much exertion takes its toll on the birds small frame does it not? Is there a risk of their muscles seizing up while flying?
Tacoshortage, stromm
They do actually produce lactic acid but their bodies process it so much better than our human bodies do
stromm, Tacoshortage
These random facts about birds is about to send me in another research marathon. Anyone else feel the same? No? Just me? Okay.
wildedges, camwynya
Middle-aged individuals have the best chances of hearing the beautiful chirps, songs, and calls of the Blackpoll Warbler. It's like a free hearing test!
Global-Election, camwynya
Their winter migration is a tad more impressive than their spring one but for a bird that size, it's all pretty magnificent
ImissBobVila, camwynya
This was the first thing that popped in my head when the word Warbler registered in my head. Nine-nine!
nusuntcinevabannat, -Neph
The alarming thing is the Blackpoll Warbler lost almost 88% of its total population in the last four decades. There are an estimated 60 million Blackpoll Warblers in existence, but at the rate of their disappearance, the conservation efforts are in full gear.
