ZOOLOGY

B.Sc II yr. SEM-III

 TOPIC :
MIGRATION IN BIRDS
Migration:
The word “migration” has come from the Latin word migrara which
means going from one place to another.
● The birds which shows migration is called migratory birds.
● The birds which do not show migration is called resident birds.
Migratory bird. Ex: Peregrine falcon Resident bird. Ex: House Sparrow
Why do birds migrate?
● To avoid unfavourable conditions or environment.
● For food
● For reproduction
● For shelter
 Types of migrations
1. Latitudinal migration : South ↔ North
Ex: The American Golden Plover
2. Longitudinal migration : East ↔ West
Ex: starlings
3. Altitudinal migration :From plane to slopes.
Ex: ruff breeds

4. Partial migration : birds do not leave the

native land and all the birds of a group do not
show migration.
Ex : Blue jays
5. Seasonal migration :
i) summer visitor - South ➡ North in
summer. Ex: cuckoos, swifts
ii) winter visitor - North ➡ South in
winter. Ex: grey plover.
6. Irregular migration : Disperse for
short or long distance for safety, food.
Ex : bee eater.
7. Diurnal and nocturnal migration :
Day time migration. Ex: crow, crane
Night time migration. Ex: Warblers
Modes of migration:
1. Time of migration: day time or night time
2. Range of migration: golden plovers,
sandpipers, boblings and swallows cover
6000 to 8000 miles.
3. Altitude of flight : some fly quite close to
earth. Small birds reported to fly at 5000 to
14000 feet altitudes.
4. Velocity during migration: cranes, crow fly
with a speed of 30miles/hr. Indian swifts id.
176 miles/hr.
ROUTES OF MIGRATION :

● Coastal routes: Follow sea routes.

Ex: Marine birds.

● River valley routes: Planes to hills↔hills

to planes.

● Mountain ranges: river valleys

● Order of migration: young➡ adult

CAUSES FOR MIGRATION IN BIRDS :

● Environmental stimuli: For food, weather

etc
● Gonadial stimuli: For breeding area.
● Thyroid stimuli: Changes in metabolism of
birds.
● Antipituitary hormone: Regulate the
instinct of bird migration.
● Metabolic hypothesis: Fat deposition.