SWIFTLETS AND OILBIRDS—HOW DO THEY NAVIGATE THROUGH THE DARK CAVES IN WHICH THEY ROOST?

The birds employ a system of hearing known as echolocation or sonar—also used by bats—where they emit sound, and it is reflected. The sound waves that are reflected tells the bird about the nature and location of obstacles in the cave. By using echolocation, the birds can locate their nests in darkness.

Cave with entrance located on one side of a rock. There is a small tree on top of the rock. Birds birds employ a system of hearing known as echolocation or sonar, which enables them to find their way through the dark caves in which they roost.
Cave
Swift perched on a tree stump. These birds live in dark caves. They use echolocation to locate their nests in darkness.
Swift perched on a tree stump

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