Book 4, Question 71 · Video
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.
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do birds migrate?
The Big Idea
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. Warblers, hummingbirds, and shorebirds migrate too.
Days Shorten, Fuel Up
Step one: the days shorten and the bird fuels up. In fall, shorter days tell birds it is time to go. They eat a lot, and extra fat becomes flight fuel. Not every bird leaves, and cardinals often stay.
Navigate
Step two: navigate. Birds use the sun, the stars, and Earth's magnetic field. Landmarks like coasts help them stay on course.
Rest Stops and Arrive
Step three: rest stops, then arrive. Wetlands and yards offer snacks along the way. At last, the birds arrive at a warmer place with plenty of food. Some birds rest at wetlands for days before they set off again.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at a migrating bird! The wings can flap for hours, carrying the bird across long distances. The fat is fuel for the long journey. The night sky's stars help guide the way. And a coastline is a landmark to follow.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Lights at night can confuse migrants, so darker windows help. Cats outdoors are a huge danger to birds during migration nights. Not every bird leaves. Cardinals often stay. Some tiny songbirds fly at night, and cross the Gulf of Mexico in one big push.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, look at a fall sky at dusk. Are flocks moving in one direction? What would a yard with water and bushes offer a tired traveler? Write down what you saw, and become a migration expert!
Outro
Next time you see a flock overhead, you will know where it might be going. Birds travel thousands of miles, guided by the sun, the stars, and an amazing inner compass. Stay curious! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!