Strange birds

The distinction between migratory and resident birds has to do with the place where the birds spend the winter. Some birds stay near their nesting ground. Others go on the move, they fly south or west. 

Why do birds migrate?

Just like most humans, many birds do not like the cold winter weather. But especially the more difficult conditions to find water, food and shelter are driving them southwards. A well-known example is the barn swallow, which is completely dependent on flying insects for its food supply. And you will not find them in the winter in the north, or hardly at all. In addition to the swallows, the nightingale and the chiffchaff are also well-known migratory birds. These birds literally stuff themselves so they will be able to handle the trip. So it is not a bad idea to provide some extra food by the end of the summer.

Who stays at home?

Home birds or resident birds stay near their nesting ground in winter. Most of the birds we know, such as the blackbird, house sparrow, woodpecker and magpie, are resident birds. Despite the cold, they manage to keep themselves standing and flying in the barren north. They need fats for that. By providing high-fat feed, like Frost Nights Blend near your birds, you help them through the winter.

What is "leap-frog migration"?

Did you know that in addition to migratory and sedentary birds, there is also an intermediate species, that "leap-frog"? These are bird species of which some birds stay and others migrate to other regions. A robin is an example of a bird species that practices leap-frog migration. While the females and young migrate in winter, the males brave the northern cold. Other known species that practice leap-frog migration are finches and starlings.