Oxford Study: Long-Distance Flights Cause Jet Lag in Seabirds, Leading to Navigation Errors

A new study from Oxford University, published in the journal Science, reveals that seabirds undertaking long-distance flights across the Atlantic experience a mismatch between their internal body clocks and local time—essentially jet lag. This disruption causes predictable errors in their sun-based navigation. The research shows that the farther and faster birds travel, the more their internal clocks lag behind the sun’s position, leading them to fly off course. This matters because many seabirds migrate thousands of miles, and even small navigational errors can have significant consequences for their survival and breeding success. The findings also highlight the broader impacts of human-induced environmental changes on animal navigation. The study underscores how biological clocks are finely tuned to local conditions, and rapid travel can outpace their ability to adjust. As climate and habitat shifts force birds to travel longer distances, such jet lag effects could become more common. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for predicting how wildlife will cope with a changing world.