News in Brief Animals

Alpine swifts fly nonstop for more than six months

The birds eat and rest without touching the ground

LONG FLIGHTS  An alpine swift lives on the wing. Researchers logged the birds taking nonstop flights that lasted more than six months.

D. Occiato

By Jessica Shugart

- More than 2 years ago

If alpine swifts need to catch a snooze, they do it on the fly. The birds stay airborne for at least six months without touching terra firma, a new study shows.