The golden plover is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in Arctic regions and migrates long distances to wintering grounds in the Pacific and Southern Oceans. One of the most remarkable migratory feats of the golden plover is its non-stop flight each spring from Hawaii to Alaska, a journey of over 2,400 miles across open ocean.
Quick Facts
- Species: Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva)
- Breeding grounds: Alaska and Arctic regions
- Wintering grounds: Hawaii, islands in the Pacific and Southern Oceans
- Migration route: Non-stop trans-oceanic flight from Hawaii to Alaska in spring
- Distance covered: 2,400+ miles
- Duration of non-stop flight: 36-76 hours
- Speed: Estimated 40-60 mph
The Pacific golden plover undertakes one of the longest overwater non-stop migrations in the animal kingdom. Each spring, plovers wintering in Hawaii fly directly north to reach their Alaskan breeding grounds, a journey spanning over 2,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean with no stopovers.
Duration of Flight
Research using tiny tracking devices attached to golden plovers reveals that they cover the Hawaii-to-Alaska trip in a remarkably short time, considering the huge distance traveled over open ocean.
Early estimates using observational data indicated the plovers took 3-4 days to complete the journey. However, satellite telemetry data shows the plovers are capable of astonishing long-distance flight speeds and can make the crossing in just 36-76 hours under optimal conditions.
This equates to an average flight speed of around 40-60 mph. The plovers cruise at altitudes up to 4,500 feet where they can ride tailwinds that boost their groundspeed.
| Study | Duration of Non-Stop Flight |
|---|---|
| Early observational estimates | 3-4 days |
| Satellite tracking (Johnson et al. 2011) | 36-76 hours |
The record for the fastest Hawaii-Alaska flight by a golden plover is just 36 hours at a mean speed of 60 mph, reported by Johnson et al. in 2011.
However, flight durations are highly variable depending on wind patterns. Plovers may take closer to 3-4 days when encountering unfavorable winds that hinder their progress.
Challenges of Trans-Oceanic Migration
The non-stop trans-Pacific crossing presents several challenges for the golden plover:
Navigation
Golden plovers are thought to use a combination of cues to navigate their migration route over open ocean where landmarks are nonexistent. These likely include:
- Sensing the Earth’s magnetic field to determine latitude and direction
- Using the sun as compass for orientation
- Detecting low-frequency sound waves bouncing off the ocean floor
Food and Water
Golden plovers have physiological and behavioral adaptations to cope with lack of food and water during their 2,400 mile non-stop journey:
- Building up fat reserves before migratory flight
- Reducing stomach and digestive organs to decrease weight
- Metabolic changes to conserve water and slow protein breakdown
- Flying at cooler high altitudes to reduce water loss
Predation
Threats from aerial predators are minimized by:
- Only migrating during daylight hours
- Travelling in loose flocks
- Maneuverability and agility in flight
Weather Conditions
Plovers wait for favorable tailwinds before undertaking migration. However, risk remains of encountering storms, precipitation, and unfavorable winds during journey.
Stopover Sites
While most golden plovers make the spectacular trans-Pacific flight non-stop from Hawaii to Alaska, some do break up the journey into multiple legs with stopovers on small islands in the Pacific:
- Midway Atoll
- French Frigate Shoals
- Laysan Island
- Lisianski Island
It is thought younger birds in their first migration may be more likely to stop and refuel along the way before completing the full trip to their Alaskan breeding sites.
| Stopover Site | Distance from Hawaii | Distance Remaining to Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Midway Atoll | 1,300 miles | 1,100 miles |
| French Frigate Shoals | 800 miles | 1,600 miles |
| Laysan Island | 1,200 miles | 1,200 miles |
| Lisianski Island | 1,300 miles | 1,100 miles |
Conclusion
In summary, the Pacific golden plover completes one of the most phenomenal migratory feats in the animal kingdom. Satellite tracking shows most plovers fly non-stop from Hawaii to Alaska, covering over 2,400 miles in just 36-76 hours at estimated speeds around 40-60 mph.
Their ability to undertake this remarkably swift trans-oceanic journey is thanks to specialized adaptations including fat loading, navigational capabilities, and flight efficiency. While a direct non-stop flight is the norm, some younger birds may take a shorter multi-leg journey, stopping to rest and refuel on small Pacific islands along the way.
The golden plover’s epic migratory journey highlights the astonishing endurance and navigational powers of birds. Their ability to fly tremendous distances over oceans with unerring accuracy remains one of the great wonders of the natural world.
