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These birds nap while flying — here’s why it’s key to their survival

Birds have developed the ability to sleep and rest while they are soaring in the air.

Sleeping mid flight helps helps them when they cannot halt at the twigs of trees during their annual migration. (Source Canva)

Evolution has shaped creatures and their mannerisms as we know them. Birds, for instance, have developed the ability to sleep and rest while they are soaring in the air. This supports them during their annual migration, when they’re unable to pause on the fragile branches of trees.

Let us have a look at the birds that have this unique quality.

Swallow

The barn swallow is known for nesting in comfortable, man-made structures. This is why, when the swallow migrates, it takes short naps mid-flight, helping it to manage time efficiently.

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Sandpiper

Sandpipers are known to sleep on their migratory flights. These short naps allow them to cover large bodies of water without halting or taking breaks.

Northern Wheater

The northern wheater travels across continents during migration. Taking naps mid-flight allows them to conserve energy without halting in deserts or mountainous terrain.

Great Snipe

Great snipes also cover remarkable distances during migration. They take short naps during these trips to maintain their speed and momentum.

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Frigatebird

This unique-looking bird is a species of seabird that can sleep while flying. This allows them to maintain their speed and manage time efficiently.

Bar-tailed godwit

Traveling up to 7000 miles, this unique bird travels across multiple countries during its migration. It takes short naps to sustain itself during this intense journey.

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Arctic Tern

Found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, the Arctic Tern is famous for migrating to Antarctica. Sleeping mid-air allows these birds to complete their journey efficiently.

Albatross

The albatross stays airborne for months at the end. It uses a unique unihemispheric sleep. This allows them to stay alert from one portion of their brain while the other rest and sleeps.

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