Which caloric source powers the long-distance migration for Western Tanagers in early fall?
Answer
High-sugar fruit
As the breeding season concludes and migration approaches in late summer and early fall, the availability of active insects drops, triggering a necessary dietary pivot. The bird's system adapts to prioritize high-sugar, high-carbohydrate sources, primarily fruit and berries. This shift is critical because migrating long distances requires substantial, readily available energy reserves, and the simple sugars found in fruits provide this fuel efficiently, powering sustained, non-stop flight legs across vast distances.
Related Questions
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