We've all seen birds gather in a V and head for the hills, but are they really for winter migration or are they just going for a short trip? Here's everything you need to know about bird migration.
What makes birds migrate?
Birds make the decision to migrate based on climate change. Though it may seem like they move because they get chili, it's actually because they know if they move to warmer climates, they'll find more food. Birds also move according to their mating cycles.
Why don’t birds get lost?
Birds don't get lost when they're in the midst of bird migration because they have phenomenal built-in navigation systems. Unlike humans, birds don’t need a compass because they already know how to read the stars and the constellations. The stars and the constellations change at different times of the year. Since birds understand the sky, they're in tune with these changes and use them as a road map of sorts.
Birds also have amazing eyesight, which is why feather color is such an important piece of a bird's physique. Think of what the earth looks like when you just take off in a plane. Birds get that view plus a whole lot more when they're on a bird migration path.
Not only do they use their eyes for sight, they can use their entire visual system to navigate the earth's magnetic field. While this is an extremely technical component of bird migration, it helps them keep their internal clock fixed. I guess you could say this is how they stay on path when time zones get in the way!
Birds have a great sense of smell that they deploy when they're on the move. They use their sense of smell as an accessory to their eyesight, mental maps and magnetic field maneuvering when they're in the midst of a bird migration.
Back to the V. Everyone's seen the great V that ploughs through the clouds on fall days. This may be a group of birds on a bird migration path or it could just be some birds on a local day trip. Whatever the case, birds travel in flocks for a reason — follow the leader. They rely on each other to find their final destination.
Don't they get hungry?
That really depends on the birds. Some birds bulk up their fat reserves before they head out on their bird migration route. Other birds take their time when they involved in bird migration and stop for food along the way.
