Albatrosses: Sleeping on the Wing
Aerial Naps
Albatrosses, known for their incredible long-distance flights, have an extraordinary ability to sleep while flying. These birds can glide for hours without flapping their wings, using air currents to stay aloft. During these extended flights, they enter a state of unihemispheric slow-wave sleep, similar to dolphins, where one half of their brain sleeps while the other half remains awake.
Oceanic Rests
When albatrosses do rest on the ocean’s surface, they are often miles away from land. Their long wingspan allows them to float effortlessly, and they can sleep while bobbing on the waves. This dual sleeping strategy ensures that albatrosses can cover vast distances without expending too much energy.
