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Migration — The Great Journey!
When autumn arrives, millions of birds pack up and fly south to warmer places. This journey is called MIGRATION. Birds migrate because their food (insects, seeds, berries) disappears in winter.
Some migrations are incredible! Arctic terns fly from the North Pole to the South Pole and back — a 44,000-mile round trip every year! Canada geese fly in a V-shape formation, honking to encourage each other. Monarch butterflies travel 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico, and they weigh less than a paperclip!
How do birds know where to go? Scientists think they use the sun, the stars, the Earth's magnetic field, and even landmarks like rivers and mountains. Baby birds follow their parents on their first trip and remember the route forever!