Introduction to Bird Migration

Bird migration is a natural marvel, with billions of birds traveling annually. It's vital for survival, allowing species to exploit seasonal resources and breed effectively.

Migration allows birds to avoid harsh climates and find abundant food. It's driven by survival instincts, with routes sometimes spanning continents and oceans.

Birds use the sun, stars, Earth's magnetic field, and mental maps for navigation. Some, like the Arctic tern, journey 25,000 miles annually, the longest migration of any animal.

Patterns vary widely; some birds migrate at night, others by day. Altitudes differ too, with the bar-headed goose flying over the Himalayas at nearly 30,000 feet.

Migration faces threats from habitat loss, climate change, and skyscrapers. Conservationists use bird banding and satellite tracking to aid in species protection efforts.

Not all migrations are long-distance. The altitudinal migration sees birds moving up and down mountains, like the New Guinea's Ribbon-tailed Astrapia.

Climate change is altering migration timing and destinations, disrupting ecological balances. Studies show birds are arriving earlier and may struggle to find food and nesting sites.