tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875936129745922451.post9108436965633120095..comments2023-09-03T21:28:44.407+01:00Comments on Welcome to North Lancs Ringing Group: Water Rails on the MoveNorth Lancs Ringing Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01769828703372360831noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8875936129745922451.post-48755679381451667492008-11-06T13:55:00.000+00:002008-11-06T13:55:00.000+00:00Interesting article John. It has been found ...Interesting article John.<BR/> It has been found that rail species with flight tend to easily evolve reduced flight, then flightlessness when on islands without predators.<BR/> Two factors lead to this selection. Flight muscles are heavy (about 25 percent of the bird's weight), and expensive in terms of energy. Young birds from these islands have no need to disperse far.<BR/> Due to their relatively weak flight, rails undergoing long-distance migration often get blown off course.Steve Bullenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12627487262926812553noreply@blogger.com