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Which bird can sleep while flying?

Published in Bird Sleep 1 min read

The Alpine Swift is a bird that can sleep while flying.

How Alpine Swifts Sleep on the Wing

The long migration flights of many bird species don't allow for many chances to stop and rest. Some birds, like the Alpine Swift, have adapted to this challenge by sleeping while flying using unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS). USWS allows the bird to sleep and navigate simultaneously. In fact, there is evidence that the Alpine Swift can fly non-stop for 200 days, sleeping while in flight!

Here's a summary of the Alpine Swift and its sleeping habits:

Bird Sleeps While Flying Flight Duration
Alpine Swift Yes Up to 200 days

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