Birds migration

Many species of birds migrate as a means of survival. Migration allows birds to move to areas where food and living conditions are more favorable. Migration also allows birds to take advantage of seasonal sources of food and suitable nesting sites in different climates. Most migratory birds have distinct patterns of movement that often span thousands of miles, with some migrating annually between tropical and temperate regions. Migration often happens during the day because of the availability of thermals which birds use for efficient gliding flight.

Birds have been part of the natural environment since thousands of years, unable to speak a single language these feathered creatures have managed to make long voyages in search of food and better weather conditions. Migratory birds travel thousands of kilometres every year in order to satisfy their needs. Summertime is a critical period in these journeys, what can be considered the heart of these natural adventures.

migration of birds during summer time

Migration is best seen in the summertime when birds take to the sky in search of better weather, abundant food and nesting habitats. Most migratory birds will travel from northern to southern regions as summer approaches. This large scale movement of birds from their breeding regions is known as nesting migration and it usually takes place during the summer months of May, June and July.

The reasons behind these migrations are varied, it has been identified that some species of birds move or travel to avoid extreme cold climates. For example, some species of geese and other waterfowl fly south during the months of October and November in order to escape colder temperatures of the north and to find better warmer climates. Other birds, such as those of the warbler family, migrate in order to take advantage of the more abundant food found in the south during the summer months.

migration of birds during winter time

As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, birds all around the world start to embark on their annual winter migration. For many species, their survival is dependant on this yearly event, and they need to find a more suitable climate in order to survive harsh winters. Each winter, billions of birds from the Northern Hemisphere migrate southward in search of warmer climates.

The reasons for this mass movement of avian species are varied. Some species use the winter months as a chance to exploit a more diverse food supply. Birds that feed on insects, fruits, and seeds can find more plentiful resources if they make the journey to the tropics seasonally. For example, American Robins travel south during the fall in order to find warmer climates where worms and other invertebrates are in abundance.

Other birds may migrate in order to escape the cold winter temperatures that they can’t survive. Some small songbirds, such as warblers and thrushes, must migrate south to escape freezing temperatures. Even if food is plentiful in the winter months, a decrease in temperature can cause these thin-skinned and small birds to perish, making migration essential for their survival.

Not all birds migrate during the winter months; some stay put or even move to colder climates. Birds such as owls, ravens, and jays are more adapted to the colder temperatures. These species, known as "residents," are able to find food during the winter, as well as take advantage of the lack of competitors for food from migrating species.

Many species of birds that migrate southward may also gain an advantage during the competition for resources. If birds in the south migrate too far north, the competition for food may be too much. By flying south, migratory birds escape the worst of the prey competition and find more food resources.

For many migratory birds, the journey can be long and arduous. To make the journey, birds rely on environmental cues and their internal navigation system to guide them. This complex system involves the use of the sun, stars, and even the Earth's magnetic field to find their destination. Thousands of years ago, birds were able to fly further south than they can today, but despite this, they still manage to find their destination.

Migratory birds play an important role in the global ecosystem, and every winter they travel thousands of miles in search of the ideal climate. As temperatures drop, these amazing creatures use their incredible navigation skills to make their way to a more suitable environment, and in this way, help to ensure that their species continues to thrive.