Apr 3, 2025
Astonishingly, some bird species have evolved the ability to rest while in motion. This rare skill allows them to undertake long-distance migrations and continuous flights without needing to land for sleep. Here are ten such remarkable birds.
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The wandering albatross spends months gliding across vast oceans. It sleeps with one half of its brain at a time—a process called unihemispheric sleep—so it remains aware while staying aloft.
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The Arctic tern makes the longest migration of any bird, travelling from pole to pole. It uses in-flight naps while gliding to sustain energy throughout its immense seasonal journey.
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Famed for its record-breaking nonstop migration, the bar-tailed godwit utilises micro-sleeps in the air. These brief moments of rest help it travel up to 7,000 miles in a single stretch.
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Frigatebirds can remain airborne for weeks. They take short naps while gliding, allowing them to conserve energy and stay in flight over open water without returning to land.
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The great snipe is a champion of endurance, flying non-stop over thousands of miles. It manages this feat by taking short rests mid-flight, keeping itself airborne for days at a time.
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During its journey across continents, the northern wheatear takes brief naps while flying. This ability helps it span vast landscapes such as deserts and oceans in a single migration stretch.
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Certain sandpiper species catch moments of sleep mid-air during migration. This unique behaviour enables them to cross long distances, including open seas, without stopping for rest.
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Barn swallows are known to sleep while gliding during migration. These short bursts of rest allow them to maintain their long-distance journeys without the need for frequent stops.
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