Why can swiftlets fly continuously for months without resting?

Scientists have long known that swifts can fly continuously for extended periods of time, but it wasn't until 2016 that they were able to provide concrete evidence and specific numbers.

By
Administrator
-
0
73

Swallows are capable of continuous flight without landing

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden attached trackers to the bodies of 13 swallows to record their flight paths over a period of 2 years.

They found that 3 of them did not land for 10 consecutive months. They only rest for about 2 months during the breeding season and then continue to soar in the sky. The remaining birds have very short landing times.

The researchers noticed that the swallows mentioned above molted in the sky. They grew new tail feathers and wing feathers while flying.

“This 10-month flight is the longest recorded flight time for any bird species”, said Anders Hedenstrom, a member of the research team.

So why can swallows fly for months without landing? If you observe closely, you will see that the size of their wings is much larger than their bodies. This feature helps swallows generate greater lift while flying, reaching speeds of hundreds of kilometers per hour.

Swallows can fly continuously in the sky thanks to their unique feeding habits. They can directly hunt insects during flight by detecting the prey and snapping it up with their mouths. As a result, they can continuously replenish energy in the sky without the need to land.

In fact, these birds only need to skim the water surface with their mouths to drink water, without having to touch the banks of the streams or any other water source like other bird species.

Another remarkable thing is that these birds can complete their reproductive tasks in the air. The mating of swallows is done through a cloacal kiss; they can easily position themselves to mate while flying. This unique mating method is called “cloacal kiss”.

Thanks to their excellent flying ability and the ability to perform all activities in the air, swallows do not need to rest much. This explains why swallows can fly for months without landing.

Little-known facts about swallows

Known as “legless” birds

– Although they have the ability to fly extremely fast, the weakness of swallows lies in their extremely weak and underdeveloped legs, making it almost impossible for them to perch on power lines or antennas like many other bird species. In addition, the name Apodidae (legless) also speaks for the identifying feature of this bird species.

Record for the fastest bird species

– Results from a recent survey of over 80 different species showed that swallows are one of the fastest flying bird species in the world, with a maximum flight speed of up to 130-160 km/h. Despite having narrow wings, they are curved and can continuously glide and soar in the air for hours without resting.

Difficult to nurture and harvest

– Although swallows are currently commonly raised and sold as bird’s nest products everywhere, harvesting and nurturing them effectively is not easy. Their extremely sensitive nature and easily anxious state can cause swallows to panic, fly aimlessly, and crash into rocks, resulting in death.

Short breeding cycle

– From the time swallows start building nests until the young can fly, it takes about 115-132 days. Therefore, in one year, a pair of swallows can build nests about 2-3 times.

Swallows’ most feared creatures

– Swifts, merlins, red ants, cockroaches, termites, spiders, mice, and lizards are the creatures that swallows fear the most. Be sure to use tools to eliminate and prevent the appearance of these unwanted “guests” in swallow houses if you do not want the number of swallows to significantly decrease.

You may also like

5 Lucky Animals Bring Blessings to Your Home: Fortune, Prosperity, and Success

According to folklore and feng shui, the following animals that suddenly come to your house are considered lucky charms that bring wealth and prosperity to the homeowner.

Lessons from the elders: 3 birds visit, money flows, 2 guests sound the alarm

Birds have long been associated with various meanings. Some bring good luck, while others signify misfortune.

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Flip-Flops When Traveling by Plane: Surprisingly Uncomfortable and Unhealthy

While flip-flops may provide you with comfort when walking, it is not recommended to wear them when traveling by plane to avoid health issues.

Why don’t people with high IQ wear flip-flops when traveling by plane? Turns out, for this reason

It is important to note that you should not wear flip flops when traveling on an airplane.

Why do flight attendants choose to sleep overnight in a hotel instead of going home after landing?

Why do many flight attendants choose to stay in hotels instead of going home after their flights land?

Frequently asked questions

Swiftlets have evolved unique characteristics that enable them to stay airborne for extended periods. They have a slow metabolism, allowing them to conserve energy, and their ability to enter a state of ‘unihemisphere slow-wave sleep’ means they can rest one half of their brain at a time while still flying.

Unihemisphere slow-wave sleep is a unique ability that allows swiftlets to rest one hemisphere of their brain while keeping the other half awake and alert for flying. This adaptive form of sleep ensures they can maintain prolonged flight without the need for extended rest periods.

The nest-building behavior of swiftlets is closely linked to their flight capabilities. They collect saliva and use it to build nests, and this process helps them maintain their airborne lifestyle by providing a source of hydration and energy. Additionally, the nests serve as a vital anchor point during courtship displays, which further contributes to their ability to reproduce and sustain their population.

One of the primary challenges swiftlets face is the risk of dehydration and exhaustion. Their ability to enter a state of slow-wave sleep and their slow metabolism help mitigate these risks. Additionally, they must navigate changing weather patterns and find suitable locations to rest and feed during their prolonged flights.

The diet of swiftlets, consisting mainly of airborne insects, provides them with a consistent and easily digestible source of energy. This diet, combined with their efficient metabolism, enables them to sustain long-duration flights without the need for frequent feeding breaks.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR