Replication Data for: Seasonal variation in trans-oceanic flight and island use in a migratory falcon

Migrants typically minimize flights over barriers in opposing winds, while crossing the same barriers directly in supportive winds. Nevertheless, even in supportive conditions, barrier-crossings likely involve risk-mitigating behaviors, including the use of stepping stones.

This dataset combines GPS-tracking data from 19 Eleonora’s falcons (2012–2022) with atmospheric reanalysis wind data to investigate seasonal ocean-crossings across the Indian Ocean and Mozambique Channel. Data support analyses of wind support, flight effort, and stepping-stone island use. Islands were used more frequently during spring crossings, particularly under weak wind support.