Paragraph on “Why do birds migrate and how do they find their way?” complete paragraph for Class 9, Class 10, Class 11 and Class 12

Why do birds migrate and how do they find their way?

Many species of birds migrate in winter to a warmer climate, but it is puzzling as to exactly how they find their way ! Many birds follow coastlines and are able to recognise landmarks, for they have good eyesight. Scientists believe that some birds such as pigeons, gulls and the Manx shearwater use the sun or the stars as a compass on long trips.

Birds that fly at night are often those which normally lead an active life by day, and so it is strange indeed how they avoid flying into hills, trees and buildings on their nocturnal journey.

It is not completely known why some migratory birds travel as far as they do to find a higher temperature. The sanderling for instance, a common shore bird found in England, flies south to South Africa, Patagonia or New Zealand. These birds travel mainly along the coasts, though they must also cross vast stretches of open ocean.

The North American golden plover, which breeds in the Canadian Arctic, flies direct from Nova Scotia across 3,000 km (1,900 miles) of the Atlantic to South America.

The golden plover that summers on the Pacific Coast, flies even greater distances — from Alaska to Hawaii — to winter. The swallow, which breeds in many parts of the British Isles and in the Arctic Circle, flies as far as Africa to winter.

Most of these birds could fly much shorter distances to find winter warmth. The swallow, for example, would easily find enough sun and food in the Mediterranean countries. Also, the Arctic tern has no need to go all the way to the Antarctic for winter. However, birds do seem to benefit from these vast migrations though the real reasons for their necessity to go so far, remain a mystery.