Climate Change Affecting Migratory Schedule of Birds

Climate Change Affecting Migratory Schedule of Birds

Every year thousands of birds had been travelling and moving in large groups to distant lands, and then returning to the original place after some time, in a process known as migration. They would traverse thousands of kilometers in doing so. Well, of late, this behavior of birds is under a cloud due to global warming.

First of all, why do birds need to migrate? Well, basically a bird needs food, water, and protective cover for survival. It also, needs a sheltered place to nest and breed in. But a comfortable environment can transform into an uninhabitable one due to the changing seasons. The supply of food and water supply can reduce or disappear, plant cover can disappear, and the struggle against other animals can increase.

Thus, birds usually migrate from the northern cold climates during the winter season towards the warmer southern environs, and then return back to the north from the south in the summers. They are prompted to do so, in order to avoid the harsh winter conditions of the north, which is difficult for survival.

As the days shorten and temperature drops, the birds realize that it is time to migrate. Added to this is the urge to lay eggs, which prompts them to migrate to warmer locales.

Certain in-built bio-clocks and chemical secretions tell the birds that they need to migrate.

But the climatic changes taking place due to global warming is playing havoc with this system. Migratory birds which are already declining in numbers cannot predict changes in climate in their path of migration and hence are unable to access their sources of food. Unpredictability of climate has rendered these birds unable to follow their set migratory routine thus pushing them further towards extinction.

Find out Yourself:

1. How do migrating birds find their way back home?
2. There is a remarkable bird that lives in the Antarctic when it is summer there and then flies all the way to the Arctic to catch the summer there. Which is that bird?
3. Can you find out any more reasons for birds wanting to migrate?