How do Atlantic and Eastern Pacific breeders generally navigate during their southbound oceanic transit?

Answer

By following predictable coastal paths along eastern seaboards and major headlands

The migratory journey south undertaken by the Sabine’s Gull population is impressively vast, yet it is often quite structured geographically. Instead of crossing open oceans or large landmasses indiscriminately, the birds adhere to predictable routes. Eastern Pacific breeders move south along coastlines, often passing specific pelagic areas or major headlands that are accessible from shore. Likewise, Atlantic breeders navigate along the eastern seaboards of their respective continents. This reliance on coastal features during transit is a crucial distinction from their dispersed life in the open equatorial waters during winter.

How do Atlantic and Eastern Pacific breeders generally navigate during their southbound oceanic transit?

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