The white stork, a prominent figure in the animal migration pageant, is known for its long legs and large wings. Every autumn, these birds fly from Europe to Africa and return in spring, marking the changing of the seasons with their conspicuous flocks. A recent study from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany has shed light on how this collective migration phenomenon occurs: the storks are choosing to fly together. Analyzing data on 158 storks’ lifetime migrations, researchers found evidence of social preferences during migration. Young storks showed a higher tendency to align their routes with social hotspots compared to adults.
Lead study author, Hester Brønnvik, expressed excitement about the findings, stating that the discovery of storks’ choice to fly together is significant. As birds gain migration experience, they also gain the independence to ignore social influences, suggesting a learning process within the flock. The study has provided the first insights into why storks migrate in flocks, a question that has puzzled scientists for years. By understanding the social preferences of migrating storks, researchers may unravel the mysteries behind collective decisions in the animal kingdom.
To unravel the underlying social preference of migrating storks, scientists had to find a way to query the birds about their route choices. Utilizing a 10-year dataset with precise GPS locations of the storks every hour, researchers tracked the complete migrations of 158 birds from southern Germany. By analyzing the social landscape these storks encountered during their migrations, researchers were able to determine whether the birds chose routes with high densities of other storks. A statistical model was used to compare chosen routes with available alternative options, providing insight into the decision-making process of migrating storks.
The analysis revealed that all storks, regardless of age, selected routes with high densities of other storks, indicating a social preference among the birds during migration. However, this selection weakened as storks aged and gained experience in migration. Older birds showed a willingness to choose routes with fewer storks if they provided favorable flying conditions, suggesting a shift in strategy based on experience. Juveniles, who rely on information from peers for survival, may follow others to find essential resources like thermals and food quicker. As birds gain experience, they become more independent from the flock, allowing them to tailor their migrations to meet their own reproductive goals.
The study’s innovation lies in uncovering the decision-making process of long-haul migrants on a large scale, providing valuable insights into the collective behavior of migrating storks. Understanding how decisions are influenced by the presence of other birds could offer valuable information about the social dynamics of animal migrations. By studying the social preferences of migrating storks, researchers aim to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate interactions that shape collective decisions in the animal kingdom. The study highlights the importance of collective behavior in shaping migration patterns and emphasizes the role of social influences on individual decision-making in the natural world.
