Researchers at the University of Michigan are trying to connect the dots between birds becoming smaller with longer wings and their earlier migration.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are trying to connect the dots between birds becoming smaller with longer wings and their earlier migration.
Studies have shown birds are migrating here earlier in the spring. Other studies show they have been physically changing over the decades. Both are due to climate change, according to studies.
“On one hand, these birds are dramatically changing in their size and shape, and on the other, they were also changing the timing of their migrations,” said Marketa Zimova, lead researcher in a study to determine if the two were connected.
“So we expected that those birds that were able to increase their wings the most over the past 40 years would be able to advance their migration the most,” she said.
Read More: University of Michigan
Female yellow warbler (Northern) photographed at the Michigan DNR Onsted Game Area. (Photo Credit: Lester Graham / Michigan Radio)
