Data from: First three-dimensional tracks of bat migration reveal large amounts of individual behavioral flexibility

When using this dataset, please cite the original article.

O'Mara MT, Wikelski M, Kranstauber B, Dechman DKN (2019) First three-dimensional tracks of bat migration reveal large amounts of individual behavioral flexibility. Ecology. doi:10.1002/ecy.2762

Additionally, please cite the Movebank data package:

O'Mara MT, Wikelski M, Kranstauber B, Dechmann DKN (2019) Data from: First three-dimensional tracks of bat migration reveal large amounts of individual behavioral flexibility. Movebank Data Repository. doi:10.5441/001/1.5d736bf0
Cite | Share
Download the data package citation in the following formats:
   RIS (compatible with EndNote, Reference Manager, ProCite, RefWorks)
   BibTex (compatible with BibDesk, LaTeX)

Package Identifier doi:10.5441/001/1.5d736bf0  
 
Abstract It is generally assumed that small migrating birds and bats explore wind conditions and then choose a flight altitude, which they then maintain. Because of their high metabolism and flight costs, bats should also minimize energy expenditure during migratory flight, but we know little of how individuals make their migratory journeys. We followed migrating common noctules (Nyctalus noctula) fitted with miniaturized barometric pressure radio transmitters by airplane to record three dimensional migratory movements. Mean airspeeds were 7.2-15.9 m/s and overall climb rates were faster than overall descent rates. While all bats migrated in the same northeasterly direction, they showed flexibility in their altitudes, distances and stopover sites both within and among individuals. This suggests that individuals make decisions to take advantage of wind, landscape, and navigational conditions or other, yet unknown factors, to optimize their nightly flights. Our results once more confirm that the flexibility and behavioral repertoire of individuals in the wild is greater than we assume.
Keywords animal migration, animal movement, animal tracking, bat, common noctule, flight altitude, Germany, Nyctalus noctula, radio telemetry,

3D migration flights of common noctules (data from O'Mara et al. 2019) View File Details
Download: README.txt ( 9.82Kb )
Download: 3D migration flights of common noctules (data from O'Mara et al. 2019).csv ( 272.3Kb )
To the extent possible under law, the authors have waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this data.  



3D migration flights of common noctules (data from O'Mara et al. 2019)-reference-data View File Details
Download: README.txt ( 9.82Kb )
Download: 3D migration flights of common noctules (data from O'Mara et al. 2019)-reference-data.csv ( 1.465Kb )
To the extent possible under law, the authors have waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this data.  


Submission