News Life

Shorter-winged swallows evolve around highways

In survey along Nebraska roads, number of birds killed by cars has plummeted over 30 years

By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

Crossing the road has gotten easier for cliff swallows. Over generations, the mortal threat of speeding cars may have shortened their wings.

TRAFFIC DODGERS Cliff swallows build small mud nests under bridges and highway overpasses, placing them at serious risk of becoming roadkill.