About the Author

Amy Attenborough

Alumni

Amy worked at Londolozi from 2014 to 2017, guiding full time before moving into the media department, where her photographic and story-telling skills shone through. Her deep love of all things wild and her spiritual connection to Africa set her writing and guiding ...

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11 Comments

on How Do Birds Manage To Sleep On The Wing And Not Crash?

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Marinda Drake
Master Tracker

Interesting blog Amy. We see the Alpine swifts often, always darting around. Did not realize that they never make landfall. Do they not come to Africa to breed? Do they make the mud nests underneath the bridges?

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Marinda. Apologies, the study showing that some Alpine swifts can go 6 months without touching down wan’t meant to apply to ALL individuals. Some certainly do land and breed.

Joanne Wadsworth Kelley
Master Tracker

Now I have heard it all! Seemingly impossible, yet plausible when explained. What an incredible world we live in and in certain ways have only scratched the surface of knowledge and understanding. I’m going to have to re-read this again. Thanks Amy.

Anym V
Explorer

Yesterday saw a flock of Alpine Swift Birds (I think!) flying around our locality…was quite mesmerized watching them gliding and soaring about, the aerobics continued for 2-3 hours ….finally got an explanation and name of the bird that quite caught my heart 😀

Callum Evans
Master Tracker

Very interesting article! I hope that researchers figure out the how and the why soon. It’s always baffled me why swifts never land.

Lucie Easley
Senior Digital Ranger

It is really amazing what we continue to learn about other species that belong to this planet. May this knowledge be welcomed with a renewed energy to save the planet and all who dwell here. Thanks, Amy, for another learning experience for me. Happy Holidays

Jeff Rodgers
Digital Tracker

Incredible story and not surprising that bird scientists don’t really know all of the ‘why’ of this.

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

Fascinating!! I love learning more about the animals in our planet. Seems incredible that giraffes sleep only 30 minutes a day. I’d be a disaster!! Keep writing your informative blogs.

Michael and Terri Klauber
Master Tracker

Amy, Wow, thanks for the educational info – pretty amazing! We bet all of you will need LOTS of sleep after the holiday! Merry Christmas to all!

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Thanks Michael and Terri! And a Merry Christmas to you both and everyone in Sarasota!

Gawie Jordaan
Master Tracker

A fascinating article!

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