Bird migration in 5 minutes

How far are you willing to go to escape the cold? For over 1800 bird species, that answer might be hundreds or thousands of miles away from home. As the seasons turn and birds take to the sky, explore a million-year old marathon made for feathered participants: bird migration.

What is Migration?

Migration is when animals move from one place to another to find more resources. As the seasons change and the environment warms and cools, some places become more favorable for survival than others. Migration allows birds to respond to changes in their environment to fit their needs. 

While changes in temperatures can trigger migration, they’re not the only reason why birds migrate. Birds may migrate because of:

~Increased food sources  

~Longer days

~Better nesting and breeding sites

It’s important to remember that migration can be a challenging and dangerous journey. While it might benefit some birds to migrate, others may be better off staying behind. Birds that do not migrate are called permanent residents.

Where do Birds Migrate?

While 20% of the world’s bird population migrates, our feathered friends are far from flying to the same place! While some birds might migrate short distances, like up and down a mountain, others may fly thousands of miles across the globe. The genetic makeup of a bird is an important factor in determining how far a bird will fly.

The time of year also decides a bird’s final destination. There are two migration events a year: one in the spring and one in the fall. While some species use time-honored migration paths to reach their objective, others adjust their route based on the weather. There is no one way to migrate, after all! 

How do Birds Navigate?

Not even ornithologists have this fully figured out! While it appears that birds have exceptional navigational skills, using information from the sun, stars, and landmarks to determine their location, it is not completely known how birds can traverse so many miles and end up at the same spot, year after year.

First-year birds, for example, sometimes follow the example of their parents or neighbors. But there are plenty of first-timers that successfully make the journey on their own, despite never doing it before! Such ability is nothing short of magic. 

What are the Challenges of Migration?

Migration may come with its rewards but it also has its costs. Migrating birds face a physically demanding journey fraught with hazards like habitat loss, light pollution, and deadly predators.

1. Habitat Loss: Birds rely on safe areas, called stopover sites, to rest and refuel their bodies before resuming their journey. As human development like cities, roads and farmland continue to expand into these critical spaces, birds are left with fewer areas where they can safely recover. 

How Can I Help? Create a stopover site in your own backyard! Maintain a bird feeder and pond to provide birds resources year round.

2. Light Pollution: Light pollution is the excessive amount of artificial light. While city lights may be dazzling to us, they can be deadly to those passing by overhead. Artificial lights can disorient birds and cause them to collide into windows and buildings, often leading to their death.

How Can I Help? If you can, turn the lights off at night or switch to motion-activated ones. 

3. Deadly Predators: What if I told you that one of the biggest threats to migratory birds might be taking a nap in your house, right now ? That’s right! Outdoor cats are one of the leading causes of death to birds in North America, killing billions of birds every year. 

How Can I Help? There are lots of ways to enrich your cat indoors! Cardboard boxes, food puzzles and laser pointers are all easy ways to keep your cat entertained. If you still want to give your cat an outdoor experience, look into purchasing a cat tent or catio. 

Be a bird buddy

Crafts and activities to support birds year-round