Zugunruhe is a German word that describes “migratory restlessness” (literally translated as “moving unrest”). It primarily describes birds that get increasingly anxious to start migrating during the start of the migration season. Imagine kids who know that they’re going to Disneyland and can’t sleep and can’t wait to get there. That’s birds ready to head south for the winter.
More on Zugunruhe:
- Melatonin reduces migratory restlessness in Sylvia warblers during autumnal migration
- Op-Ed: Birds and humans can’t resist Zugunruhe — the urge to be gone
- The Season of Zugunruhe
- Emma Wilkin on Zugunruhe
- Researchers Identify the Hormone That Tells Migratory Birds to Stop Eating and Keep Moving