Research reveals the secret lives of ferry birds

a study published recently
Scientific Reports has brought new insights into the life of ferry birds.
To understand the breeding behaviour, growth and feathering habits of ferry birds, Delphine Angst of the University of Cape Town in South Africa and colleagues examined the microstructures of 22 bones of 22 ferry birds from different fossil areas in Mauritius. Several of the bone samples came from young birds, and the authors believe that the migratory birds first grew rapidly to sexual maturity, and then over the years to reach bone maturation.
analysis, the authors found that the bones of the ferry birds calcium absorption is large, which may be evidence of feather change. They suggest that changing feathers can cause significant changes in the shape of birds in terms of feather color and shape, which may explain why there are so many differences in the description of ferry birds in history.
based on the researchers' findings, coupled with observations of modern birds in Mauritius and historical descriptions of ferry birds, the authors suggest that the breeding period for ferry birds begins around August, when females begin spawning. After hatching, the chicks grow rapidly to form a large body shape that can withstand the harsh summer conditions in the southern hemisphere and the local hurricane season (November-March). At the end of summer in the southern hemisphere, ferry birds begin to change feathers (around March), starting with the tail and then the feathers of their wings. As a result, ferry birds can complete the feather change in time for the next breeding season at the end of July. (Source: Science Network Zhang Zhang)