Tiny, lightweight sensors are revealing the incredible journeys birds take across the globe. Once limited to broad estimates, scientists can now track individual birds in real time, following their exact flight paths, altitude changes, and rest stops along the way. These miniaturized devices, often weighing less than a paperclip, transmit data via satellite, uncovering migratory routes that span oceans and continents.

The insights gained are already reshaping conservation strategies. By identifying crucial feeding and resting areas, researchers can prioritize habitat protection where it matters most. The data also show how climate change is shifting traditional migration routes, forcing species to adapt to new weather patterns and food sources. As technology advances, scientists hope to build a global map of migration that can help safeguard these ancient aerial highways for generations to come.