Hungry hunters

Many predators have migrating birds on their menu.

Eleonora’s falcons nest on cliffs in the Mediterranean. Their chicks fledge in August, just when millions of songbirds are crossing the sea to Africa. This is much later than most small birds. It means the parents can catch plenty of food for their growing youngsters.

Resting along the way can also be risky. White storks roosting overnight on the African savannah may fall prey to expert bird-catchers like the serval cat.