Whether the starling flies to warmer climes or not. What birds fly away in autumn? Defending your territory
What birds fly to warmer climes first and which last? In this article, you will definitely find the information you need.
Birds are warm-blooded creatures. Their body temperature averages 45 ° C. That is why they can lead an active lifestyle in winter, but only with a larger amount of food. Due to the lack of necessary food, birds leave their snowy, frosty and cold native places and fly to the southern territories, to warmer climes.
Why do birds fly to warmer climes?
The main reasons why birds fly south in winter are lack of food and frost.
Migration is more typical for species of high and temperate latitudes: in the tundra almost all species of birds are migratory, in the taiga - ¾ of the species. The number of migratory species in certain places of residence also depends on how sharply their feeding conditions differ in summer and winter. Thus, among the inhabitants of forests and settlements, about half of the species are migratory, and among the inhabitants of fields, swamps, and reservoirs - almost all species. There are more migratory birds among insectivores and carnivores, and fewer among granivores. This is understandable: if grain can still be found in winter, then there are no insects at all.
What birds fly to warmer climes?
List of migratory birds:
- Rooks. In the north these are migratory birds, in the southern countries they are sedentary. Rooks nest in large colonies. In large populated areas, rooks are usually wintering birds.
- Stork. One of the most famous migratory birds. They prefer to avoid people and live in the forest zone of Eurasia.
- Nightingales. They live in river valleys, in bush thickets, very small migratory birds, fly to Africa for the winter.
- Swallows are migratory birds that live in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.
- Swifts— black swifts arrive from wintering grounds in May in small flocks.
- Cuckoo lives in forests, steppes, forest-steppes, and mountains up to 3000 m above sea level. Migratory bird. Winters in South Africa southern China, islands of the Sunda archipelago.
- Ducks
- Geese
- Swans- migratory and partially wintering birds
Which birds fly to warmer climes first? First, birds that feed on insects fly away - nightingales, swallows, swifts, cuckoos.
Birds are warm-blooded creatures. Their average body temperature is 41°C. This means that they can remain active in the cold season, but need more food. Therefore, many birds leave their snowy native places and go to warm countries for the winter.
The main reasons why birds fly south in winter are lack of food and cold. Migration is more typical for species of high and temperate latitudes: in the tundra almost all species of birds are migratory, in the taiga - three quarters of the species. The number of migratory species in certain habitats also depends on how sharply their feeding conditions differ in summer and winter. Thus, among the inhabitants of forests and settlements, about half of the species are migratory, and among the inhabitants of fields, swamps, and reservoirs - almost all species. migratory There are more birds among insectivores and carnivores, fewer among granivores. This is understandable: while grain can still be found in winter, there are no insects at all.
MIGRATORY BIRDS
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But there are birds that don’t mind the cold. They find suitable conditions for existence in their homeland all year round and do not fly. Such birds are called sedentary.
In the winter forest you can hear a woodpecker busily knocking, titmice, pikas, nuthatches and jays chirping. Doesn't leave winter forest and the capercaillie, because he always has food - tasty pine needles. But black grouse and hazel grouse eat alder catkins, buds and juniper berries.
The amazing crossbill bird even manages to build nests and hatch chicks in winter. The crossbill feeds on spruce seeds, which it extracts from cones using its beak.
Some birds, during a favorable winter, remain in their homeland, but in harsh winters they wander from place to place. This nomadic birds. These include some birds that nest high in the mountains; in the cold season they descend into the valleys.
Finally, there are also birds that, in favorable winter conditions, are sedentary, but in unfavorable years, for example, when the harvest of coniferous seeds fails, they fly far beyond the boundaries of their nesting homeland. These are waxwings, titmice, walnuts, redpolls, bullfinches, jays and many others. Sajis nesting in the steppes and semi-deserts of Central and Central Asia behave in the same way.
WINTERING AND NOMADING BIRDS
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Some widespread bird species are migratory in some places and sedentary in others. Among wild pigeons there are migratory, nomadic and resident birds. Hoodie from the northern regions Soviet Union flies to the southern regions for the winter, and in the south this bird is sedentary. Our blackbird is a migratory bird, but in cities Western Europe- sedentary. Rooks in more northern latitudes are migratory birds, and in more southern latitudes, for example, in Ukraine and the Black Earth Region, they are sedentary. The house sparrow lives in the European part of Russia all year round, and flies from Central Asia to India for the winter.
Migration is a dangerous journey, and individuals that do not migrate escape the dangers associated with moving from one place to another, including predation, hunting, habitat loss, storms and more.
In addition to avoiding these risks, there are many good reasons why birds should not migrate.
Energy saving
Birds that don't migrate don't have to waste great amount energy for the flight. Instead, they can use their energy to find food, defend their territory, care for their chicks, and other tasks that promote survival.
Defending your territory
Prime feeding and nesting areas are in high demand, and the bird must be in place to defend the territory. Birds that do not migrate can use these excellent habitats throughout the year and are able to defend their nests from migratory birds that return each spring.
Caring for offspring
If the bird does not need to migrate, it can spend more time caring for its young. This extra parental care gives the young chicks a better chance of survival so they can become mature and healthy.
Birds do not consciously choose not to migrate; of course, this is an inherent instinctive behavior.
Just as some individuals learned to navigate this unusual journey, others learned not to migrate.
Birds that do not fly to warmer climes
There are many birds that do not migrate. You don't even realize how many there are. In North America alone there are a huge number of familiar birds that do not migrate:
- Birds of prey including black vultures and crested woodpeckers.
- Woodpeckers are hairy, downy, motley.
- Several species of owls, such as great eagle owls, barred owls.
- Game birds such as wild turkeys, banded pheasants, quail and grouse.
- Tits and chickadees.
These are just a few of the North American birds that do not migrate. In other parts of the world, similar bird families migrate very rarely or over short distances, such as tits, woodpeckers, gamebirds and scavengers.
How birds adapt to life without flights
Since migration is a key part of the survival of these individuals, birds that do not migrate must adapt to living in the same region year-round.
While different kinds adapt differently, depending on their needs and conditions, typical moments for all individuals can still be named.
Changing food preferences
When a bird is not migrating to an area with richer food sources, it must adapt to foods that are available in different seasons. Birds that migrate may feed on buds, insects, berries and seeds in the spring and summer, switching to fruits and nuts in the fall and winter when other food sources become depleted. Bird feeders provide individuals with a rich winter diet when other foods are available in very small quantities. But they still rely on a meager selection of natural winter treats.
Stocking up on food
Birds that remain in the same area year-round often stock up on food in late summer and fall, hiding caches of seeds and nuts in protected areas for later access to these snacks. Tidbits may be hidden under bark or in tree crevices, while some birds simply bury them. Many jays are master food hoarders, capable of hiding hundreds of nuts before winter sets in.
Shedding
Some birds that remain year-round in extreme northern habitats will molt in late summer and early fall. During this time, they will receive an extra protective layer of feathers to retain body heat and protect themselves from extreme cold. In the spring, these birds may molt again to brighter breeding plumage or simply to shed excess feathers.
Brave "personalities"
Birds that do not migrate are often more aggressive and dominant. They are curious and intelligent and will explore new objects as a possible source of food or shelter. This helps them defend their territories from hungry intruders, seek out unusual resources, roost in unique places, and be willing to try new foods or visit feeders more often.
Mixed flocks
Many birds that remain in the same region year-round will test their strength in mixed flocks to forage for food during the winter. Although this increases competition for any food found, the birds often have different food preferences, which minimizes aggression. Many wintering small birds, such as tits and downy woodpeckers, always gather together.
Common nests
Birds that flock together have a better chance of survival. Many small individuals that do not migrate, such as titmice and chickadees, will fly to any available nest to roost.
Many people mistakenly believe that all birds migrate. Once you learn about all the benefits of living in the same region, you'll notice that the unique adaptations that birds experience year-round help them survive without migrating. And you can enjoy these birds any time of the year.
They remain in their native lands, while migratory ones change their habitat depending on the time of year. With the advent of cold weather, the food supply is reduced, so birds fly to regions with warm winters and accessible food. Among insectivorous species, there are more migratory birds than among granivorous species. In the spring they return to their homes to raise their chicks. Bird migration can occur over both short and long distances.
Rook
The only migratory bird from the Raven family. The female and male build a nest on the treetops. Rooks, they feed on plant seeds, earthworms, and mayweeds. A small percentage of the diet consists of small ones. Flight to warmer climes occurs in October. Rooks are early birds that return to their native places in March. Scientists have noticed that in some regions they began to lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Redstart
A tiny bird with a red tail lives in mixed forests, as well as gardens and parks. These birds feed on flies, beetles, small caterpillars and mosquitoes. The redstart migrates in early autumn and returns to its original place in May.
Song thrush
These representatives of the avifauna have chosen forests with dense undergrowth. Males attract females with their trills. Their diet consists of insects and forest berries. In autumn, the song thrush flies to western Europe and northern Africa. Arrival times depend on weather conditions. Birds return to their homes no later than the first ten days of April.
Grosbeak
The bird has a dense build and a massive beak. Grosbeaks build nests in the crowns of trees. located in deciduous forests, gardens and groves. The main food is the seeds and seeds of fruit and berry plants. Departure is at the beginning of September.
Field lark
The bird, which is slightly larger in size than a sparrow, lives in fields and hills. Larks make nests right on the ground, in the middle of rural areas. They feed on insects and seeds. The species winters in southern Europe, where it flies in mid-September. Field larks return en masse to their habitats in March, when the snow has not yet melted. They feed on last year's seeds, which they find in sun-warmed areas.
Finch
The small bird is known for its booming trills. Finches are found in forest-steppes, forests, parks and gardens. They make nests in low trees. Adults feed on seeds, earthworms and caterpillars. In winter, finches migrate in huge flocks to Southern Europe and the Caucasus. Some individuals prefer to simply move to more southern regions. Arrival occurs at the beginning of April, and a month later, the birds begin laying eggs.
Oriole
A brightly colored songbird native to Central Europe. It settles in mixed forests, groves and forest parks. The oriole tries to be inconspicuous, so it builds nests in the crowns of trees. The nest, made of stems, bast and plant fibers, resembles a basket. The oriole is careful, it tries not to fly off the branches. Adults feed on snails, beetles, and caterpillars. The bird is considered valuable for forestry. IN summer time The oriole pecks the fruits of bird cherry, mulberry and various berries. In August, birds fly to Africa and India for the winter. The oriole returns to its habitable places only in May, when the air warms up well.
Forest Pipit
The natural habitat of these birds is fields, sparse forests, edges and overgrown clearings. The pipit builds nests on the ground, in shallow holes. On the surface, birds move by running. The food source is insects; often birds pick up seeds from the ground. Pipits move to warm regions in small flocks or alone. Birds leave their habitats no later than the beginning of October. They migrate to Africa and India. The pipit returns from winter quarters in early April and immediately finds a pair for nesting.
Common cuckoo
The gray bird is slightly smaller in size than a pigeon. There is probably no person who has not heard the trill of a cuckoo. Birds are found throughout the country, from to. Cuckoos are polygamous birds. The female lays eggs in the nests of small passerine species. The grown-up cuckoo throws other chicks out of the nest, but the “parents” continue to feed it. Adults are active and voracious. All day long they eat caterpillars, slugs, dragonflies and grasshoppers. Cuckoos migrate to their winter quarters alone. Older generations leave earlier. They disappear from their habitable places by the end of August. Birds winter in Africa, Arabia and.
City swallow
The bird has black plumage on its back and white on its belly. The tail has a triangular ending. The city swallow, or swallow, is not adapted to walking. Their life is spent in flight. Birds catch insects in flight and even drink water. The swallow lives in populated areas throughout Europe. She makes nests from clay and earth on stone buildings. The birds arrive in mid-spring and occupy last year's nests. Departure to Africa is in mid-September.
Robin
The bird's closest relatives are nightingales. The robin is known for its ringing and melodious voice. These birds live in alder, spruce and forest parks. Their food source is: in warm weather they eat berries. A robin nests on the ground. Birds migrate to southern Europe singly. The birds return in April and immediately begin to build nests.
Chiffchaff
The species lives on the edges, in forest parks, and grass thickets. The habitat is distributed throughout the country. This species of warblers builds nests not only on the ground, but also in the thick of the undergrowth. They feed on cicadas, aphids, small butterflies and caterpillar pupae. Chiffchaffs winter in.
Common Starling
The starling is distributed from semi-deserts to semi-deserts. Migrations are observed in birds from the eastern parts of the range. The bulk of starlings nest in populated areas, using specially built houses. In the wild, birds make nests in tree hollows. The diet consists of invertebrates. Starlings winter in the tropics of Africa and Asia.
Warbler
The bird is common in the European part of Russia. Its habitat is. The warbler nests mainly on young fir trees, junipers and raspberries. Birds feed on insects and their larvae; a small proportion of the diet consists of berries and seeds. Flight to Africa occurs in September, some individuals fly away only in October. The Black-headed Warbler returns in mid-May.
Common nightingale
The species is distributed in Europe and Siberia. Habitat: light forests, floodplains and city parks. The nightingale builds nests at the roots of bushes and in a pile of autumn leaves. During the breeding season, the birds' diet consists of insects and invertebrates. At the height of summer, the nightingale feeds on berries, nuts and seeds. Wintering takes place in East Africa. The birds return to their original places in early June.
White wagtail
The color of the bird is gray-white, its long tail sways periodically. The wagtail is distributed throughout Eurasia. It lives along river banks, on forest edges, and in agricultural lands. Nests are often found in residential areas, squares and parks. The bird moves well on the ground. The main food is mosquitoes, dragonflies, flies and butterflies. In the southern regions of Russia, the wagtail leads a sedentary lifestyle. Departure to the Mediterranean occurs at the beginning of September. Sometimes birds return to their nesting sites to remember them. Birds arrive in March, when the rivers are free of ice.
Lapwing
A small bird from the Plover family, common in Europe. The back of the lapwing is painted black with a metallic sheen. There is a crest of long feathers on the head. Birds prefer open spaces, so they settle in meadows, pastures and river valleys. They build nests in depressions on the ground. It is difficult for lapwing to protect its offspring from, both partners take part in protecting the nest. If the masonry is destroyed, the couple proceeds to a second attempt. Birds form flocks to search for food. The diet includes larvae, earthworms and snails. At the end of summer, lapwings gather in flocks and go to India, China and Japan for the winter. Birds return to nesting places in early spring when there is snow everywhere. They move in both pairs and groups.
Autumn is the time when you can observe flocks of migratory birds heading to warm countries. Where do birds fly for the winter, and which birds are considered migratory? Birds that prefer to stay in their region for the winter are called sedentary. Among them are pigeons, sparrows, tits, and crossbills are capable of breeding offspring in the most severe frosts.
Nomadic birds
There are nomadic birds - they fly away only in very severe cold, and during a relatively warm winter they can remain in their region. This goldfinches, bee-eaters, siskins, waxwings, bullfinches. Hooded crows and rooks roam in the northern regions, but remain sedentary in the southern regions. Some birds migrate only in years that are unfavorable for their food, for example, if there are not enough seeds of coniferous plants - among the following species:
- waxwings,
- crossbills,
- nuts,
- tits,
- tap dancing and others.
Migratory birds
Migratory birds migrating for the winter include:
The reason for their migration is lack of food, disappearance of caterpillars and larvae in winter and other insects that form the basis of the bird's diet. Of the forest birds, about half will fly away for the winter, but from the tundra or taiga, from wetlands, almost all species of feathered inhabitants will go to warm wintering places.
When choosing where to fly for the winter, most species will prefer familiar conditions. Forest dwellers will choose forest edges for wintering, meadow dwellers will choose meadows or fields, steppe dwellers will find a new place of residence in the steppes. Here they will find familiar food and surroundings similar to those in their homeland.
When choosing where to fly, birds will focus both on the final destination - the place of future wintering, and on the opportunity to feed themselves during the long journey. Therefore, the route of migratory birds does not run in a straight line to the wintering place, but contains various bends, turns and stops where they rest and feed. Along their flight route, they will also stick to familiar terrain - forests, fields, steppes. If the path runs through deserts - Karakum, Sahara, Libyan Desert- Migratory species tend to fly through these places as quickly as possible.
Birds are guided by an unmistakable instinct - sometimes young animals, who do not know the way, fly away earlier than more experienced individuals. During the flight, birds exchange signals similar to echoes. Some species fly in daytime, others prefer to travel at night and relax during the day. Usually, females and males travel at the same time, with the exception of finches (their females fly away earlier for the winter) and storks (their males fly to their permanent habitats earlier than the females).
It is those species of birds that feed on insects that are the first to leave their nests before spring. Swallows and swifts They set off as soon as autumn approaches, in August, at the first cold snap at night. The last to fly to their wintering places are swans, ducks and geese: this happens when the temperature drops below zero, the rivers are covered with a crust of ice and food production becomes impossible.
Migration routes of migratory birds
Ducks go to the Balkans, swans fly to Greece and the UK. Starlings head to the Mediterranean coast. Wagtails fly to Africa or Asia; they also often choose India for wintering. Blackbirds like to winter in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. The cranes go further - to Egypt, to the Nile River. The Dubrovnik Bunting flies from the Moscow River and Oka River through Siberia to South China.
To determine where birds fly for the winter, ornithologists use the ringing method. It is known that some waterfowl winter in Russia. White Owl from the tundra flies to the Central Russian forest-steppe, the seagulls will go to the Sea of Azov or to the south of the Caspian Sea. Many migratory birds They choose Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan for wintering - large concentrations of finches, ducks, and geese are observed here during the wintering period, and reserves are specially created in these regions.
There is a unique case - Arctic quacks fly to Antarctica for the winter, thanks to the presence of food, which is characteristic of cold Antarctic water.
Airspeed
The flight speed of birds during migration is relatively low. One of the slowest is the quail - it flies at a speed of approximately 40 km/h, the black swift is among the fastest (160 km/h). But during the flight, birds can spend a lot of time on stopovers, and in general they long journeys- for example, to Africa - can take 2 - 4 months. The speed of spring migration when migrating species return is higher - in spring birds return home faster than in winter they fly to wintering grounds.
