Migratory birds, by Muneeb Elahi (club member)

When many of us think about migration, the image of geese winging their way south in their wrinkled V-shaped flocks is one that often comes to mind. Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway between breeding and wintering grounds, undertaken by many species of birds. Migration occurs mainly in the Northern Hemisphere where birds are funneled on to specific routes by natural barriers such as the Mediterranean Sea or the Caribbean Sea.

Why do birds migrate?

Birds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations. 

Birds that nest in the northern hemisphere tend to migrate northward in the spring to take advantage of burgeoning insect populations, budding plants and an abundance of nesting locations. As winter approaches, and the availability of insects and other food resources drops, the birds move south again.

Escaping the cold is a motivating factor but many species, including hummingbirds, can withstand freezing temperatures as long as an adequate supply of food is available.

Maps: 
Migrating birds navigate using celestial cues from the sun and stars, the earth's magnetic field, and probably also mental maps.

Migrating birds:
Storks, swallows, turtle doves, geese and hummingbirds are examples of migrating birds.

Shared by Muneeb Elahi

Club Member