Nocturnal Migrants Foraging at Night by Artificial Light

Abstract

Artificial lights can have detrimental effects on nocturnal migrant birds and other wildlife, yet some species of typically diurnal insectivorous birds are capable of foraging at night under artificial illumination. Here, we report observations of at least 15 wood-warbler species (Parulidae), one tyrant-flycatcher (Tyrannidae), and one mimid (Mimidae) foraging at night in areas illuminated by powerful artificial lights. To our knowledge, our observations represent the first report of a mixed-species flock of birds foraging on insects attracted to artificial lights or within foliage illuminated by artificial lights at night.