Can Any Bird Sleep While Flying?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Can any bird sleep while flying?

The Big Idea

Could a bird sleep while it is flying? It sounds impossible. But some birds can do it!

Short Naps

Step one: short naps. Some birds can take short naps in the air. Frigatebirds, which fly over the ocean for weeks, sleep for very short periods during flight.

Half a Brain

Step two: half a brain. Sometimes only half of the brain is asleep at once. The other half keeps the bird flying.

Months in the Air

Step three: months in the air. Swifts spend months in the air. Most birds do sleep on a perch or on the ground, so this is a special skill for long-distance travelers.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A frigatebird flies over the sea. Half its brain naps. A swift stays up for months. Most birds sleep on a perch.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Common swifts can stay in the air for many months without landing. Frigatebirds fly over the ocean for weeks. Half the brain can nap at a time. Most birds sleep on a perch or on the ground.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw a frigatebird flying over the ocean. Add a thought bubble. Show what it might dream about. Share your picture with a friend. Write down what you notice, and share it with a grown-up.

Outro

Some birds, like frigatebirds and swifts, can nap while flying, but most birds sleep on a perch. Science is amazing! Stay curious! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Keep your eyes open, because science is hiding in the things you see every day. Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!