The energy landscape: what it is and how birds (learn to) use it

The physical characteristics of the environment largely determine the cost of transport for moving animals. This concept is termed "the energy landscape" and is particularly evident for soaring birds, as they exploit the atmospheric currents, both horizontal and vertical, to achieve low-cost flight. The goal of my research is to uncover how the interaction between soaring birds and the energy landscape shapes optimal movement and distribution patterns. I also explore how the ability to perform optimally, to maximize energy gain from the environment during flight and migration, develops as birds age. In my talk, I will present several past and current projects, on multiple species of terrestrial birds and seabirds, that contribute to achieving these goals and advancing the concept of energy landscape.