Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Lewis Thomson on 02/02/2022 11:44:39
-
Colin has been puzzled by this question for a long time & needs your help.
"Usually migrating land birds travel north from their winter habitat to breed. There are very few birds that travel the opposite way, South to Africa or South America to breed. Why is this?"
Discuss your findings in the comments below...
-
It depends where you live:
- In the Southern hemisphere, migratory birds head north as winter approaches.
- In the Northern hemisphere, migratory birds head south as winter approaches.
- These are often the very same birds, making a long-distance migration every 6 months between Northern and Southern hemispheres, so they never have to face a winter.
-
No point in travelling further than you need. If you are happy in a temperate summer, say in northern Europe, you will find pretty much the same conditions in north Africa in the winter. The arctic tern is a different kettle of fish (to mangle a metaphor) and migrates from its arctic habitat to the antarctic to find a comfortable temperature and maximum day length.
The habits are not only species-specific but also vary with home territory. The European robin is a single species but some migrate from Scandinavia in winter, whilst those in England and Ireland prefer to patrol their home territory all year round - no point in crossing the sea if the temperature rarely drops below zero.