Technology on the Move: Recent and Forthcoming Innovations for Tracking Migratory Birds

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2011

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

Basic questions about the life histories of migratory birds have confounded scientists for generations, yet we are nearing an era of historic discovery as new tracking technologies make it possible to determine the timing and routes of an increasing number of bird migrations. Tracking small flying animals as they travel over continental-scale distances is a difficult logistical and engineering challenge. Although no tracking system works well with all species, improvements to traditional technologies, such as satellite tracking, along with innovations related to global positioning systems, cellular networks, solar geolocation, radar, and information technology are improving our understanding of when and where birds go during their annual cycles and informing numerous scientific disciplines, including evolutionary biology, population ecology, and global change. The recent developments described in this article will help us answer many long-standing questions about animal behavior and life histories.

Publication Title

Bioscience

Volume

61

Issue

9

First Page

689

Last Page

698

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