Il Natural Environment Research Council conducted a study on migratory birds which was published on the Journal of Animal Ecology and which contains really interesting conclusions. Scottish researchers have looked at a large number of species around the world, analyzing data up to three centuries ago. According to the findings, these birds are reaching the summer breeding grounds early, approximately 24 hours in advance for each additional degree of temperature.
This is not a minor detail, since these birds must arrive at the right time, neither early nor late, otherwise there is a risk of losing food and nesting sites. The migratory birds examined were both those that travel very long distances (swallows and black nurses) than short (the lapwing for example).
It has already been specified that the data also date back to the 700s and in fact scholars have even analyzed the notes of enthusiasts and amateur scientists of the past. These birds are very sensitive to rising temperatures, consequently there are many difficulties encountered in reach the places to nest. The research will be useful to guess the migratory step of the various species and how they manage to adapt to changing weather conditions.