Chumasande MatiwaneUnderstanding the importance of birds in our ecosystems and biodiversity is essential. Birds play a crucial role in facilitating the movement and pollination of flowers and other plants. They are vital contributors to the food systems of various animals. Additionally, bird migration provides many important benefits that help sustain the environment in and around your garden.
Understand why birds migrate.
Their main reason for birds migrating is to follow their stomachs, find where there is food and find safe spaces to nest or rest. Birds also migrate to improve their chances of survival and reproductive success during winter, and temperature may influence bird migration. Some birds can survive in very cold conditions.
It is important to understand that not all birds migrate. The migration is seasonal as temperature affects changes in their food sources and consequently the availability of food and space. Birds will choose to move to areas with more food resources, which helps improve their chances of survival.
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Birds migrate following distinct patterns, often avoiding large bodies of open water. Instead, they typically choose routes along coastlines or mountain ranges, remaining close to land.
In autumn, many birds leave the Northern Hemisphere, particularly from Europe, and fly southward, steering clear of the vast barrier formed by the Mediterranean Sea. This remarkable phenomenon helps birds endure the long distances they travel while avoiding conditions that may threaten their survival.
Which South African birds migrate
Most birds are perfectly built for migration. Some birds prefer gliding in the air, letting the air breezes carry their frames, making it easier to travel great distances. Some birds may travel for kilometres without stopping. These are the few South African birds that migrate:
- African cuckoo bird
- Amur Falcon
- White stork birds
- African paradise flycatcher
- Wood Sandpipers
These are some migratory birds usually spotted during migration seasons in the country.
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Many places in the country allow you to see migrating birds. Visiting national parks could provide some good sightings.
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