Migration

One of a bird's remarkable features is the seasonal movement of many species. In Europe, many birds fly great distances every autumn, to avoid cold, harsh winters. They fly off to more southerly countries, where they can carry on finding food and benefit from the warm weather.

About 5000 million birds migrate from Europe to Africa each autumn, and half of them succeed in returning the following spring.

Small songbirds mostly migrate on their own, and at night. They use the stars to help them find their way. Others, such as Geese, mostly migrate in flocks containing many birds. Adult birds return to the same places at each end of their journey.

They are amazing navigators! It is thought that birds mainly use the position of the sun and stars to find their way. They probably also remember landmarks, such as hills, valleys and rivers, at the beginning and end of their journey, to help them find their way. It is also possible that birds can direct themselves by using the Earth's magnetic lines.