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.

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

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Bird migration - Preparation for the journey', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/7239/weighing-a-godwit (accessed 7 June 2023)

Story by Christina Troup, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015