Where Do Birds Go in the Winter?

Written by Dayva Segal
Published: November 29, 2022
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There are at least 10,000 species of birds in the world. Most people associate these winged creatures with wings, feathers, and flying. However, there are some birds that don’t fly, like penguins and emus. There has only been one bird species without wings, the moa from New Zealand, and it is now extinct. Birds live in all sorts of habitats and range in size from tiny hummingbirds to large ostriches. So, it only makes sense that they would have a wide variety of ways to get through the winter. Let’s discover where birds go during winter.

Migration

birds migrating over water

To survive the winter, birds in North America migrate to the south.

©eurotravel/Shutterstock.com

With a built-in travel system, it only makes sense that many bird species migrate to get away from the cold. In North America, 80% of bird species migrate south to survive the winter.

How Do Birds Know Where to Go When Migrating?

This part of bird migration is a mystery. Experts believe that birds may have some sensory perceptions that humans simply do not have. For example, some scientists believe that birds may be able to sense or see the earth’s magnetic field and use that for navigation. Others believe that like humans, they may use landmarks on the ground and celestial bodies for help with direction. In some species, parent birds teach their young the migratory route. However, in other bird species, there is no teaching necessary. The route to follow is purely instinctual.

How Far do Migrating Birds Travel?

Birds that migrate the longest: Arctic Tern

Over the course of its life, the Arctic tern may fly up to 1.5 million miles for its migration.

©iStock.com/Imogen Warren

Some bird species only travel a few miles, going from higher elevations to lower elevations where it is warmer. Others have a medium-length migratory path to a nearby region or state. Still, other birds travel thousands of miles to make a long journey.

The Arctic tern has the longest migration pattern not only of all birds but also of any animal species on the globe. They travel more than 55,000 miles each year. They travel from Greenland, near the North Pole, to the Wedell Sea, near the South Pole annually. Because these hearty birds live up to 30 years, the total distance they travel in their lifetime is the equivalent of 3 journeys to the moon and back.

While many birds take the time to rest on their journeys, some don’t. On its journey from Alaska to New Zealand, the bar-tailed godwit does not make any stops. It can fly over 11,000 miles in just about 9 days. The great snipe is another bird that doesn’t stop on its more than 4,000-mile journey from Scandinavia to Sub-Saharan Africa. They lose over half their body weight on this trip.

Some birds that do not fly have migration patterns. Adélie penguins walk over 8,000 miles every year, going from their breeding grounds to their wintering grounds.

Hiding in Trees, Chimneys, Abandoned Buildings, and Birdhouses

Birds that don’t migrate do their best to stay put and stay warm each winter. Most other bird species hide out in holes in trees or find a manmade solution to help. Birdhouses and heated bird baths are a haven for these creatures in the winter. They will also nest up in chimneys and abandoned buildings to stay shielded from the elements. Some bird species spend the winters together in groups. They cozy up together and use body heat to stay warm.

Why don’t all birds migrate to warmer climates? Staying put helps animals to save energy. A great journey is a great expenditure that requires a lot of resources. For some species, it is easier to wait out the chill rather than fatten up all year in preparation for a big trip. Another reason is that they can keep and defend their territory rather than having to find a new one when they come back the following year. Finally, if they don’t migrate, birds can spend more time raising their chicks.

Examples of birds that don’t migrate include turkeys, quail, black vultures, and hairy woodpeckers.

Helping Birds in the Winter

Bird lovers can help these charming creatures weather out the winter in many different ways:

  • Put birdhouses, roost boxes, and bird feeders in your yard.
  • Use higher-fat bird food in the winter.
  • Put out fresh water when other natural water sources are frozen.
  • Protect existing bird shelters from the snow with branches.

Up Next:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Dayva is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering astrology, animals, and geography. She has over 12 years of experience as a writer, and graduated from Hofstra University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Music and a Minor in French. She has also completed course work in Core Strengths Coaching, Hypnotherapy, and Technical Communication. Dayva lives in the SF Bay Area with her cute but very shy cat, Tula.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Where do birds go in the winter?

In the winter, many bird species migrate to warmer locations. However, some birds stay put and nest in warm spaces like abandoned buildings or trees.

How many species of birds are there?

There are at least 10,000 species of birds in the world.

How do birds know where to migrate?

This part of bird migration is a mystery. Experts believe that birds may have some sensory perceptions that humans simply do not have. For example, some scientists believe that birds may be able to sense or see the earth’s magnetic field and use that for navigation. Others believe that like humans, they may use landmarks on the ground and celestial bodies for help with direction. In some species, parent birds teach their young the migratory route. However, in other bird species, there is no teaching necessary. The route to follow is purely instinctual.

What is the longest migration in the world?

The arctic tern has the longest migration in the world. Each year they travel over 55,000 miles from the North Pole to the South Pole.

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