Nocturnal migratory birds follow rhythm of the moon, study shows

Nocturnal migratory birds follow rhythm of the moon, study shows

Moonlight determines when the red-necked nightjar feeds, migrates and raises its young. A groundbreaking long-term study from Lund University shows how the migratory bird's entire annual cycle follows the moon's rhythm.

Moonlight timing controls red-necked nightjar feeding

How moon phases shape a nightjar’s life A long term study from Lund University reports that nocturnal migratory birds—including the red necked nightjar—track a natural rhythm linked to the moon rather than purely to sunrise, cloud cover, or weather. The finding is significant because it suggests…