The Black-faced Spoonbill is a rare and endangered bird that migrates each autumn across the Yellow Sea. Its journey relies on large-scale wind patterns in the atmosphere. However, climate change is expected to shift these wind patterns, which could change when and where the birds migrate—and even where they spend the winter.

In this study, we used over 80 years of historical wind data to identify the main types of weather systems that affect the birds' migration. We combined this with satellite tracking data to understand how different wind conditions influence the birds’ departure timing, flight paths, and choice of wintering grounds—either in China or Japan.

Then, we used future climate projections to see how these wind patterns may change and how this might impact the birds' migration in the coming decades.

Our study helps turn complex climate data into practical insights about how species might respond to future environmental changes. This can help scientists and policymakers better prepare for conservation challenges. The methods we developed can also be used for other species that depend on weather systems to survive.