How Migrating Birds Use Weather Conditions to Calculate the Best Route With the Least Resistance

In a flighty episode or MinuteEarth, host Emily Elert explains how migrating birds instinctually calculate their route according to which way the wind is blowing, the strength of ocean thermals and other weather conditions that help them locate the path of least resistance.

Migrating birds care more about the ease of their trip than the distance they travel, and that leads to some truly roundabout routes.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.