Science

Nightjar wings reveal a trade-off between hunting slowly and traveling far

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 09/10/2026, 18:55:24 UTC.

Briefings

A 2026 study by Lund University researchers published in PLOS Biology reveals that European nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus) face a physiological trade-off between slow, sharp-turning flight for hunting and the high-speed, long-distance migration required for seasonal travel. The research demonstrates how these opposing flight mechanics are physically linked in the bird's wing structure. The study provides new insights into avian flight dynamics but acknowledges significant limitations in its scope and data interpretation.

Key points

• European nightjars migrate annually between Europe and southern Africa, requiring high-speed, long-distance flight capabilities.
• During insect hunting, the same bird species must slow down, execute sharp turns, and fly at low speeds, revealing a mechanical trade-off in wing mechanics.

Context and limitations

The study is limited to European nightjars and relies on a single published journal article; it does not include preprint data, raw measurements, or longitudinal tracking records.

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