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| We present data suggesting that Northern
Wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa) breeding
in West Greenland and Canada may be able to
accomplish migration to their wintering grounds in
West Africa in one direct, transatlantic crossing of
more than 4000 km (great circle distance). This
conclusion is based on analyses of wing lengths,
body weights, and timing of departure from West
Greenland and arrival on an island 350 km off the
coast of Morocco. Previously, it has been suggested
that Nearctic wheatears migrate to Africa by a twostep
journey, the first leg comprising a shorter
transatlantic crossing to western Europe. A long,
direct flight has previously been considered unfeasible
as the predicted flight costs were considered to be
too high. However, recent insights in aerodynamic
theory make these long ocean crossings appear more
feasible, especially when taking the use of tailwinds
into account. | |
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