Introduction_both-small

What are migratory birds? Why do birds migrate?
Have you ever wondered why you see

Many migratory birds travel between North
different birds at different times of the year?
America and the Caribbean and back every year.
Have you noticed that some birds appear in
They make these huge journeys so that they can nest
your yard in autumn or that large flocks of
and raise their young in Canada or the United States
ducks appear on the lakes or ponds near
in spring and summer when the northern summer is
where you live? Then in spring they vanish,
at its peak, and insects and fruit are abundant. As fall
not to return until the next autumn. These
sets in and the weather gets colder, there is much
birds are called migratory birds or migrants.
less food available. Sensing this change they fly
south to spend the rest of the year in warmer places
like the Caribbean where there is still plenty of food.
How do migratory birds

How far do birds migrate?
ind their way?
Some birds migrate only a few hundred miles, for
Once in the sky, migrants use landmarks example between the southern U.S. and the Caribbean
on the ground (such as rivers, coastlines or Mexico. Others like the Whimbrel or Blackpoll Warbler
and mountain ranges), the position of the travel thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in
sun, stars and moon, and even the earth’s the far north to their wintering grounds in the Caribbean
magnetic field to help them find their way. or South America and can fly non-stop for four or more
Amazingly they can find their way to and days. The Artic Tern has the longest migration in the
from the same spots each year. world. This champion migrant breeds in the Arctic and
flies all the way to the Antarctic to spend the winter –
a round trip of 38,000 kilometres (24,000 miles)!
How do birds prepare

to migrate? What risks do birds face
Migratory birds must fuel-up, that is, put on migration?
on a lot of body fat in preparation for their long Migration is dangerous and many birds do not
journeys. Whimbrels do this by gorging them- survive the journey. They can die from exhaustion,
selves on fiddler crabs before migrating north in bad weather, and collisions with power lines, glass
the spring. Blackpoll Warblers put on so much windows or cars, or they can be killed by birds of
fat by feasting on insects, caterpillars and berries prey or hunters. They seek safety in numbers. When
that they may double their weight before they traveling in large flocks they have less chance of
begin their long migration. By storing up fat for getting lost or killed, and they save energy by flying
energy a long distance migrant like the Whimbrel in formation. Some birds migrate during the day
can fly for more than six days non-stop! but many migrate at night when temperatures are
cooler, the air is calmer, and predators such as
hawks are not around.
Do all of our migrants stay
for the winter?
Many of our common birds are migrants. Some stay for the whole winter, relying
on the food, water and shelter they can find in our islands for up to nine months
out of the year. Others use our forests or wetlands as staging areas or stopover
sites—places to rest and refuel on their way to their final destinations in Mexico,
Central or South America. We also have resident species, birds that live in our
islands year-round and breed when conditions are right. A few, like the Black-
whiskered Vireo, are known as summer migrants, breeding in the Caribbean in
the summer and flying south in the winter.
Why are there fewer migrants

than there used to be?
Sadly, the numbers of many birds, especially migrants are declining.
This is because the places where they nest, spend the winter, or stop
to rest during migration are being destroyed or damaged when people
cut down forests, fill in wetlands and pollute the water and land. It is
very important to protect wetlands, beaches, woodlands, and forests
and to look after the birds that come to our gardens and farms. Every
year we think about this problem as we celebrate the miracle of
migration during World Migratory Bird Day with
special events across the region.
How can you help migratory birds?

Flocks of migratory birds are a spectacular sight and many people look forward to their
arrival and departure at the same times each year. Find out what species are most likely to visit
your island, learn about them, and keep a lookout for their arrival at the end of an incredible journey.
Help them survive by providing feeders and water in your garden, planting native trees that provide
food and cover for birds, and supporting protection of their habitats.
In September and October, bird migration is in full swing in the Caribbean.

Thousands of birds pass through the islands or arrive to spend many months here resting,
feeding, and sheltering in our forests, beaches, and wetland areas.
The amazing journeys these birds take each year are celebrated in a festival called World
Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). Local organizations host a variety of events throughout
fall to welcome home our migrants. These include guided bird and nature walks,
presentations, art competitions, tree plantings, and more.
WMBD is a great way to get your school involved in raising awareness about the
migratory birds that visit your island. Get in touch with your local non-profit or
Environmental Ministry to see what’s happening near you.

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What are migratory birds? Why do birds migrate?

Have you ever wondered why you see

How do migratory birds

How do birds prepare

Why are there fewer migrants

How can you help migratory birds?

In September and October, bird migration is in full swing in the Caribbean.

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