It has long been assumed that migration is a risky undertaking for birds, but it is challenging
to assess to what extent the risks are fatal. A recent review summarises findings from studies
of 30 migrant species, with some fascinating results.
A new study from the University of Cape Town has shown that fossil
relatives of ostriches and emus had a remarkable foraging ecology that
was more like that of the Hadeda Ibis than their giant flightless living
relatives. What is even more fascinating is that they may have inherited
this unique ‘sixth sense’ from their non-avian dinosaur relatives.