Birds migrate for many reasons! Migration is when birds fly from one place to another at certain times of the year. Here are some of the main reasons why birds migrate:
Food
One big reason birds migrate is to find food. Birds need to eat a lot to have energy to fly and survive. The areas where birds live in the summer often do not have enough food for them to stay all year long. So when it starts getting colder in fall, many birds will fly to warmer places where they can find more food. Often they will migrate from areas with cold winters to places that stay warmer and have more food all year.
Shelter
Birds also migrate to find better shelter. Many birds build nests or find other places to sleep and take shelter, like in trees or caves. The places they live in the summer might not offer enough shelter during the winter. For example, leaves fall off trees, taking away hiding spots. And it gets so cold that any exposed nests might freeze over. So birds fly to warmer areas where they can find better shelter.
Raising Young
Another reason birds migrate is to find the best areas to raise their young chicks and babies. Birds need just the right conditions to build nests, lay eggs, and raise healthy chicks. The breeding grounds they choose for raising young often offer plenty of food and shelter during those months. But then as the seasons change, the area might not have enough resources anymore. So parent birds fly back with their babies to the areas better for finding food and shelter for the rest of the year.
Survival
Ultimately, birds migrate to survive! They fly incredible distances each year to escape harsh weather conditions and limited resources in one area, and move to places that have the things they need to live. Migration helps different species of birds adapt to seasonal changes in the environment.
How Do Birds Know When and Where to Migrate?
Birds migrate at certain times each year, and they often migrate to the same places. So how do they know when it’s time to migrate, and where they should fly to? Here are some ways birds figure it out:
- Changes in daylight – As days get shorter in fall and longer in spring, birds know it’s time to migrate
- Temperature changes – Cooler temperatures in fall signal birds to move, while warmer temps in spring welcome them back
- Internal clock – Birds have an internal sense of timing and routine for when to migrate
- Experience – Adult birds teach migration routes and timing to younger birds
- Instinct – Birds know genetically when and where their species migrates
- Magnetism – Birds may use the Earth’s magnetic fields to help guide their migration route
How Do Birds Fly So Far?
Birds are able to make incredibly long migrations thanks to some key adaptations:
- Lightweight bodies – Birds have hollow, lightweight bones and not much body fat. This makes them light enough to fly long distances.
- Powerful flight muscles – The chest muscles that control their wings are very strong and efficient for extended flights.
- Streamlined shapes – Their tapered bodies and smooth feathers reduce air resistance while flying.
- Efficient breathing – Their lungs and respiratory system rapidly delivers oxygen throughout their body while in flight.
- Fat stores – Before migrating, birds eat a lot to build up fat reserves that fuel their flights.
- Resting and refueling – Birds stop to rest and eat many times during migration to replenish their energy.
Impressive Migrations
Different species migrate varying distances. Some of the most incredible migrations include:
- Arctic Tern – This seabird migrates about 25,000 miles each year, flying from pole to pole round trip!
- Bar-tailed Godwit – These birds make a nonstop 7-day flight over the Pacific Ocean of around 6,800 miles.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Tiny hummingbirds fly 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.
- Monarch Butterfly – While not a bird, monarchs migrate about 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico.
Threats Birds Face During Migration
Migration is difficult and dangerous for many birds. Some of the main threats they face include:
- Lack of habitat – Deforestation and urbanization destroys habitat they need to rest and refuel.
- Extreme weather – Storms, high winds, and temperature swings can be challenging.
- Not enough food – Finding nourishment across cities and ecosystems along their route.
- Predators – Birds are hunted by predators like hawks, cats, and raccoons during migration.
- Human-made obstacles – Birds can crash into buildings, communication towers, and other structures.
Conservation Efforts Help Protect Migrating Birds
There are many efforts and initiatives to help conserve migratory bird species. Some key ways to help migrating birds include:
- Habitat protection – Preserve and restore forests and wetlands that birds rely on.
- Bird-friendly architecture – Reduce collisions by designing buildings with visible patterns or using special glass.
- Reduce threats – Keep cats indoors, prevent pesticide use, and properly dispose of trash.
- Citizen science – Volunteer to help track and monitor bird populations.
- Support conservation – Donate and contribute to groups that protect birds.
Fun Facts About Bird Migration
- Kids your age can become birders! Learn about local birds and go spotting throughout the year.
- Many birds migrate at night under the cover of darkness.
- Not all birds migrate. Birds like penguins live in the cold all year round!
- The Arctic Tern sees more daylight than any other animal on Earth due to its yearly migration from pole to pole.
- Scientists track migrating birds by banding them with tiny numbered bands on their legs.
- Birds use a variety of navigational tools to know where they are going, including the stars, sun, landmarks, and even smells.
- The longest recorded nonstop flight by a bird was a swift that flew from Africa to its breeding ground in Asia for around 10 months straight!
Conclusion
Bird migration is truly incredible! By migrating huge distances every year, birds find the habitats and resources they need to survive. Kids can help migrating birds by learning more about their amazing journeys. With conservation efforts, hopefully these beautiful and important species will continue their amazing migrations for a long time.
