Amazing Facts About

Bird Migration

“The robin flew from his swinging spray of ivy on to the top of the wall and he opened his beak and sang a loud, lovely trill, merely to show off. Nothing in the world is quite as adorably lovely as a robin when he shows off - and they are nearly always doing it.”
― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Bird song is one of the first harbingers of spring. Their mellifluous melodies signal lengthening days, blooming flowers, and budding trees. But why do birds migrate in fall and return in the spring? The primary reason is availability of food and nesting locations. But not all birds migrate. Northern Cardinals, Great Horned Owls, and Red-Tail Hawks are among some of the birds that are able to find an adequate food supply year-round. Those that do migrate – like Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, Baltimore Orioles, Mourning Doves, and Eastern Meadowlarks – make heroic journeys twice a year.

Interesting facts about bird migration from the Audubon Society:

1.      At least 4,000 species of birds migrate

2.      The 3.5-ounce Arctic Tern can fly more than 49,700 miles in a year (more than any other bird)

3.      Birds can reach great heights while flying; the Ruppel griffon vulture can reach a height of 37,000 ft. (7 miles!) above sea level

4.      The fastest migrating bird is the Great Snipe, which can travel up to 60 MPH while migrating thousands of miles

5.      The Bar-Tailed Godwit can fly for eight days straight without stopping for food or rest, making it the longest non-stop flight of any bird

6.      Some birds nearly double their weight before migration, like the Blackpoll Warbler that flies nonstop for 86 hours

7.      Even some birds that don’t fly migrate; penguins migrate by swimming and emus migrate by walking for miles

What can you do to help birds successfully migrate?

1.      Keep your cat inside during migration season

2.      Turn off outdoor lights at night; most birds migrate at night and bright lights can disorient them

3.      Make your windows visible with stickers, streams, blinds, or sheers

4.      Plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees; they make a great resting place and source of food