Studies Show Unique Strategy by Seabirds to Hunt During Hurricanes

In an extraordinary display of adaptation, Desertas petrels, a species of seabird native to the uninhabited Bugio Island in Portugal, have been observed actively following hurricanes across the Atlantic Ocean. This behavior, detailed in a recent study by biologist Francesco Ventura and his team at the Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, challenges the usual avian response to such powerful storms.

Source: RSPB Science/YouTube

Typically, birds avoid hurricanes due to the threat of strong winds and harsh weather conditions. However, Ventura’s research, published in the journal Current Biology, reveals that Desertas petrels exploit hurricanes to enhance their hunting capabilities. By tracking the birds with GPS devices during the Atlantic hurricane seasons of 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019, researchers uncovered that these birds pursue the storms for up to five days and cover distances exceeding 1,500 miles.

The strategy behind this unusual behavior lies in the oceanic disturbances caused by hurricanes. As the storms move across the ocean, they stir the waters, causing a mixing of the surface and deeper waters. This mixing brings squid, small fish, and crustaceans—primary food sources for the petrels—to the surface, making them more accessible.

The Desertas petrels not only follow the storms but navigate through them with precision. They fly around the hurricanes in a clockwise pattern, often for more than 24 hours continuously, facing wind speeds up to 62 mph and waves as high as 26 feet. After these exhausting chases, they return to their nests located on the cliffs of Bugio Island, taking brief breaks to rest during the day.

This finding is significant as it demonstrates a remarkable example of how wildlife adapts to extreme weather conditions by turning potential threats into opportunities. According to Ventura, this discovery was so surprising that it almost seemed unbelievable at first. The study’s insights suggest that the Desertas petrels are exceptionally skilled at using natural phenomena to their advantage, much like adept sailors navigating through tumultuous seas.

The implications of this behavior extend beyond just the Desertas petrels. Don Lyons, director of Conservation science at the Audubon Seabird Institute, notes that other animals might also benefit from the nutrient-rich waters stirred by hurricanes. This study not only highlights the resilience and adaptability of the Desertas petrels but also opens new avenues for research into how other species exploit environmental changes for survival.

Latest Petitions to Sign:

• Petition: Help Protect Arctic Wildlands and Wildlife from Big Oil
• Petition: Help Eliminate Microplastics from Our Water Supply
• Petition: Justice for Puppy Who Was Thrown Off Ledge in New York City
• Petition: Tell the Scottish Government to Stop Tourists from Feeding Wildlife
• Petition: Help Protect Animals Sold at Bangkok’s Markets
• Petition: Help Protect Ancient Dolphin Population Off the Coast of Italy
• Petition: Demand Justice for Dogs Who Were Abandoned Inside a Hot Trailer
• Petition: Help Ban Assault Weapons and Large-Capacity Magazines
• Petition: Help Address the Shelter Crisis in Massachusetts
• Petition: Tell Mexico to Save the Vaquita Porpoise from Extinction

Related Content:

• Plastic Pollution in Seabird Stomach Could Release Harmful Toxins, Study Finds
• Mysterious Tar-Like Pollution Affects Seabirds Along Oregon and Washington Coasts
• Environmental Advocates Distressed Over Sale of Florida Seabird Preserve
• Marine Heatwaves Harm Sharks, Turtles, Seabirds, and Other Marine Animals
• Oceanic Plastic Hotspots Are a Grave Threat to Vulnerable Seabirds

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!