Book 4, Question 71
Why Do Birds Migrate?
Migration is a food-and-weather trip! When insects and berries fade and the cold comes, many birds fly to places that still have meals. They can also nest more safely there later.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 4
More fun facts
- Birds migrate to find food and to avoid harsh weather.
- Migration gives birds a steady food supply all year.
- Migrating birds usually fly between 200 and 1,500 meters up.
- Many large birds migrate by day, but many smaller birds, like starlings, migrate mostly at night.
- Rain, wind and temperature can affect when birds set off.
- First-time migrants often just fly in the right general direction, while experienced birds may use landmarks.
Sources: BBC, Smithsonian, National Geographic, Scientific American
Questions kids ask
Do birds migrate at night?
Many smaller birds do, while many large birds travel by day.