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Story: Bird migration

Weighing a godwit

Weighing a godwit

Scientist Phil Battley weighs a bar-tailed godwit. These birds lose about half their body weight during their gruelling 11,000 km non-stop flight from Alaska to New Zealand. Battley and other scientists are seeking to understand the physiological adaptations that make such long flights possible. They are investigating how rapidly a godwit can replace its lost condition, and what changes to its hormones and digestive organs are involved.

About this item

Eco-vista: Photography and Research
Reference: Image 018471_041018
Photograph by Brent Stephenson

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup. 'Bird migration', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/bird-migration/5/3