Many birds migrate from one place to another each year, seeking warmer areas during the cold weather. However, the reason behind this migration is not solely because birds dislike cold weather. Birds can survive in cold weather as long as there is an abundant food supply. Unfortunately, the food that birds usually consume becomes scarce during winter due to decreased sunlight and the completion of plant life cycles.
When food becomes scarce, birds instinctively know that it is time to head south in search of new food sources. But how do they determine the direction of south?
If you have observed birds flying south for the winter, you might have noticed that none of them carry maps. Take a closer look at a flock of birds flying south in a “V” pattern. You won’t see any birds holding compasses or GPS devices.
Despite the lack of maps, compasses, or GPS devices, birds are able to find their way south and back north without any trouble. Some bird species, like the Arctic tern, travel round trips of 40,000-50,000 miles each year! So, how do they do it?
The most logical way to find out is to ask a bird. However, when we attempted to communicate with birds, they simply squawked and flew away. Therefore, we must rely on the knowledge that scientists have gathered over the years.
Experts believe that birds rely on various scientific factors to determine their travel direction. Some of these factors were also used by humans before the advent of modern technology, which provides us with numerous resources and devices to determine our location and direction at all times.
One significant factor that birds rely on is the Sun. The Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Birds flying south during winter use the position of the Sun in the sky throughout the day as a guide to stay on course.
However, once the Sun sets, it is no longer helpful as a guide. Thankfully, many birds can also navigate using the position of the stars in the night sky. Constellations used to guide sailors at night before modern technology. Similarly, birds can utilize the stars as navigational aids.
Furthermore, birds have the advantage of an aerial view. When human hikers are lost in the woods, they often climb up a mountain to gain a better view of natural or man-made features, such as roads or coastlines, to find their way back. Birds, on the other hand, can simply take flight and have a magnificent view of everything below them. Sometimes, traveling south is as easy as following a river that flows in a southern direction towards warmer temperatures.
Finally, some scientists propose that certain birds may also rely on Earth’s magnetic field for guidance. These birds have a mineral called magnetite in their brains, which is highly magnetic. Experts believe that this mineral helps birds detect Earth’s magnetic field and use it as a guide during migration.
Give it a try
We hope today’s Wonder of the Day didn’t confuse you! Get your bearings and explore the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Which migratory birds live in your area? Conduct some research on the internet to discover more about the species of birds that reside near your house. Which of these species migrate during the year? Where do they travel to? When do they return? Depending on the current season, go outside and try to spot some of the birds that should be in the area at this time of year. Enjoy learning more about the local feathered creatures!
- Can you find your way home from an unfamiliar place? Let’s find out! You will need the assistance of an adult friend or family member. Ask someone to drive you a few miles away from home to an area that you are not very familiar with. However, before leaving home, blindfold yourself so that you cannot see where you are going. While blindfolded, try to keep track of your location based on familiar sounds, turns, or any other clues you can gather. Once you reach your destination, remove the blindfold and attempt to navigate your way back home. Feel free to use any clues you can find around you. For instance, if you find yourself on a quiet country road, choose a direction to travel until you come across an intersection. Can you use the road signs with names to guide your way back home?
- Ready for a challenge? Although we may not possess the same instincts as birds, that does not mean we cannot learn how to navigate like them. Go online and read about “How To Navigate Using the Stars.” Use the information from the article to help you navigate at night using only the stars. For example, you could have an adult friend or family member drive you to an unknown location on a clear night sky. Can you guide your way back home using only the stars?
Leave a Reply