Greater spotted eagles are already a species under threat. Now, scientists have found that they have been facing yet another danger: the war in Ukraine.

Scientists believe they avoided perils including artillery fire on their way to their traditional breeding ground.

Russia's war in Ukraine has had a ripple effect across Europe, including for vulnerable migrating birds that are reportedly flying far out of their usual route to avoid areas of fighting. Researchers have found evidence of greater spotted eagles altering routes across Ukraine to avoid key areas of violence and curtailing or even forgoing rest

Scientists have discovered that migrating eagles, whose migration paths cross Ukraine, have changed their flight routes to avoid areas affected by armed conflict. Data collected from GPS transmitters show that more excellent spotted eagles avoid these areas and limit or forego stopping in Ukraine for rest.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that shortly after Ukraine was invaded by Russia, the birds' usual migratory course was altered.