Why do birds fly south for the winter?
Plants, insects, and food drops are plentiful throughout the summer, providing plenty of food for birds. In truth, birds congregate in areas where they may locate the best food sources for themselves and their young. However, when winter comes, these food supplies tend to dwindle, making survival harder. Birds move to warmer climates to avoid famine. Winter's snow and ice, in addition to the frigid temperatures, make it difficult for birds to find safe nesting sites. Staying puts their health at danger and exposes them to predation. Thus, birds traveling south for the winter not only assist them obtain food, but they also provide refuge in a safer and more suited ecology.
We've previously discussed how birds fly throughout the winter to avoid famine. But, before they even reach the south, they will face a variety of natural and man-made challenges. Predators, tiredness, sickness, and catastrophes are all examples of natural risks. On a more serious note, man-made dangers to bird migration are exceedingly deadly. The loss of habitat caused by development and pollution has a huge detrimental influence on their ecology. And will their arduous journey come to an end when they reach the south? Definitely not. Migratory birds' survival during and after flight is impacted by reduced shelters and food supplies.
