Metabolomic profiles reveal physiological transitions required for long-distance avian migration (opens in new tab)

Long-distance migratory birds undergo profound physiological changes throughout their annual cycle, particularly during the non-breeding season, which includes periods of recovery, maintenance, and preparation for migration. Here, we used an untargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomic approach to characterize plasma metabolite profiles in Hudsonian godwits (Limosa haemastica) across three distinct stages of the non-breeding season: post-arrival, maintenance, and pre-de...