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by julian37 1676 days ago
I came here wondering the same thing.

A random google search turned up this: https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/news/science/five-bird-spe...

> Researchers have learned that digestive tracts of long-distance migrants work overtime prior to migration. Food intake is increased, and the food is metabolized and stored as fat, which serves as the birds’ flight fuel. Bar-tailed Godwits store fat until it makes up about one half their weight. Then the digestive system shuts down so metabolic energy can be maximized for muscle use.

Astounding.