{"aiVersion":"1","content":{"id":"cmtz418a20004za2q34sp14ma","slug":"dark-nights-safe-flights-how-turning-off-lights-he-20260913","title":"Dark Nights, Safe Flights: How Turning Off Lights Helps Migrating Birds","level":"EASY","publishedAt":"2026-09-13T01:03:09.675Z"},"topic":{"slug":"dark-nights-safe-flights-how-turning-off-lights-he-20260913","category":"science"},"article":{"paragraphs":["Many birds fly at night during their yearly migrations. Bright city lights attract and confuse these birds, and some fly into windows or buildings. Researchers estimate hundreds of millions of birds die each year after these collisions.","Cities and conservation groups ask people to turn off non-essential lights during spring and fall migration because dark skies help birds fly safely. Turning lights off from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on peak nights can help birds pass. Places like Chicago, Toronto, and New York run \"Lights Out\" programs and ask building managers to dim lights. You can help at home by closing curtains, dimming lamps, or switching off decorative lights."],"wordCount":109,"readTime":2},"vocabulary":[{"word":"migrate","example":"Many birds migrate south in autumn.","phonetic":"/maɪˈɡreɪt/","definition":"to move regularly from one region to another, usually with the seasons"},{"word":"attract","example":"Bright lights attract birds at night.","phonetic":"/əˈtrækt/","definition":"to draw attention or come closer by offering something interesting"},{"word":"collision","example":"A collision can hurt or kill a bird.","phonetic":"/kəˈlɪʒən/","definition":"a crash or hit between two things"}],"quiz":[{"answer":"during spring and fall migration","question":"When do cities ask people to turn off non-essential lights?"},{"answer":"from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.","question":"What time range does the article suggest turning lights off on peak nights?"},{"answer":"Chicago","question":"Name one city mentioned that runs \"Lights Out\" programs."}],"discussion":[{"question":"Do you ever turn off lights at night to save energy or help wildlife? Why or why not?"},{"question":"Have you ever seen many birds in your city at night or in the morning? What happened?"},{"question":"What would make it easy for you to switch off decorative or non-essential lights at home?"}]}