Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement of birds from one region to another, typically driven by changes in food availability, breeding opportunities, or weather conditions. Most bird species that migrate do so on an annual basis, traveling long distances between their breeding and non-breeding areas.
Migration can involve a variety of different patterns and distances, depending on the species and the specific route taken. Some birds migrate short distances, while others travel thousands of miles across continents and oceans. Migration can also involve various modes of transportation, including flying, swimming, and even walking.
The timing and route of migration is often determined by a combination of internal and external factors, including genetics, environmental cues such as day length and temperature, and individual experience. Many birds use the stars, the Earth's magnetic field and other cues to navigate their migration routes with remarkable accuracy.
Bird migration plays an important ecological role by distributing species across different habitats and ecosystems, facilitating gene flow between populations and influencing food webs and ecosystem dynamics. It is also an important cultural and economic phenomenon, with millions of people around the world enjoying birdwatching and ecotourism related to migration.
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Reasons why birds migrate?
Birds migrate for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is to take advantage of seasonal changes in food availability and weather patterns. During the winter, many bird species that breed in the Northern Hemisphere cannot find enough food or survive in the harsh conditions, so they migrate south to warmer climates where food is more abundant.
In the spring, as the weather warms and food becomes more plentiful, these birds return north to their breeding grounds to mate and raise their young. This seasonal movement is an instinctual behavior that has evolved over thousands of years and is necessary for the survival of many bird species.
Another reason birds migrate is to avoid competition for resources such as nesting sites, food, and mates. By moving to different areas during different times of the year, birds can reduce the amount of competition they face and increase their chances of survival.
Bird migration is a complex phenomenon that involves a combination of genetic, environmental and ecological factors. It is essential for the survival of many bird species.
Examples of some migratory bids are listed below-
There are many species of birds that migrate, but here is a list of some of the most well-known migratory birds:
Siberian Cranes: As mentioned earlier, these cranes are critically endangered and migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Siberia during winter. They are known for their striking white feathers and are a popular sight among birdwatchers.
Bar-headed Geese: These geese are famous for their high-altitude migration, and they fly over the Himalayas to reach India from their breeding grounds in Mongolia and China. They are a common sight in wetlands and marshes across India.
Amur Falcon: These small birds are known for their long-distance migration from their breeding grounds in northeast Asia to Africa via India. They are a popular sight in the northeast region of India and can be spotted in large numbers during their migration.
Common Sandpiper: These birds migrate to the Indian subcontinent from their breeding grounds in Europe, Central Asia, and Siberia. They are commonly found near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Rosy Starling: These birds are known for their bright pink feathers and migrate to India from Central Asia and Eastern Europe during winter. They can be seen in large flocks in urban areas, feeding on fruit trees.
Osprey: These birds of prey migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia during winter. They can be seen near water bodies, hunting for fish.
Greater Flamingo: These large, pink birds migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Africa. They can be found in large numbers in wetlands and salt pans across India.
Northern Pintail: These ducks migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia. They are commonly found in wetlands and marshes, feeding on aquatic plants and invertebrates.
Black-tailed Godwit: These waders migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia. They are commonly found in mudflats and estuaries, feeding on small invertebrates.
Common Greenshank: These waders migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia. They are commonly found in wetlands and mangroves, feeding on small fish and crustaceans.
Common Crane: Birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Eurasian Curlew: Waders that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Garganey: Ducks that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Northern Shoveler: Ducks that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Ruddy Shelduck: Ducks that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Spot-billed Duck: Ducks that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Siberia, Central Asia, and Mongolia.
Steppe Eagle: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Black Kite: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Common Buzzard: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Montagu's Harrier: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Pallid Harrier: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Red-footed Falcon: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Western Marsh Harrier: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Yellow Wagtail: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Black-necked Crane: Critically endangered birds that migrate to India during the winter from their breeding grounds in Tibet and Bhutan.
Demoiselle Crane: Birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Central Asia and Mongolia.
Dusky Warbler: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Siberia.
Grey Heron: Wading birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Indian Pitta: Colorful birds that migrate to India during the winter from their breeding grounds in Southeast Asia.
Little Ringed Plover: Wading birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Northern Wheatear: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Oriental Honey Buzzard: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Southeast Asia and East Asia.
Pallas's Gull: Large gulls that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Central Asia and Siberia.
Red-breasted Flycatcher: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Richard's Pipit: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Central Asia.
Black Stork: Large wading birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Bluethroat: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse: Ground birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Central Asia.
Citrine Wagtail: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Siberia and Mongolia.
Eurasian Coot: Water birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Eurasian Hoopoe: Colorful birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Ferruginous Duck: Ducks that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia.
Great Crested Grebe: Water birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Grey Wagtail: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Little Grebe: Water birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Northern Goshawk: Birds of prey that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Northern Lapwing: Wading birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Oriental White Stork: Large wading birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Southeast Asia.
Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Central Asia.
Temminck's Stint: Wading birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Whiskered Tern: Water birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Siberian Rubythroat: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Siberia.
Spotted Redshank: Wading birds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
Taiga Flycatcher: Songbirds that migrate to India from their breeding grounds in Siberia.
These are just a few examples of the migratory birds that visit the Indian subcontinent. There are many more species that can be spotted, depending on the time of year and the location. India's diverse geography, from the Himalayas to the wetlands of the coast, provides a rich habitat for migratory birds from around the world.
Written by Kirti DSilva
Published - Saturday 22nd April 2023 - 12:32pm