There are several reasons why some birds migrate at night.
- Less wind: The air is usually calmer at night, which makes it easier for birds to fly. During the day, the sun heats up the ground, which causes the air to rise. This can create turbulence, which can make it difficult for birds to fly.
- ** fewer predators:** At night, there are fewer predators out, such as hawks and owls. This makes it safer for birds to fly.
- easier to navigate: Birds can use the stars to navigate at night. During the day, the sun can be too bright for them to see the stars.
- less competition: There are fewer birds flying at night, so there is less competition for food and resources.
Some birds, such as swallows and swifts, migrate during the day. However, most birds that migrate long distances, such as warblers and thrushes, migrate at night.
Here are some of the specific benefits of nocturnal migration for birds:
- Less wind: As mentioned, the air is usually calmer at night, which makes it easier for birds to fly. This is especially important for smaller birds, which are not as strong as larger birds and can be more easily blown off course by wind.
- Fewer predators: At night, there are fewer predators out, such as hawks and owls. This makes it safer for birds to fly, especially during their long migrations.
- Easier to navigate: Birds can use the stars to navigate at night. During the day, the sun can be too bright for them to see the stars. This is why some birds, such as swallows and swifts, migrate during the day. However, most birds that migrate long distances, such as warblers and thrushes, migrate at night.
- Less competition: There are fewer birds flying at night, so there is less competition for food and resources. This can be especially important during migration, when birds are often traveling long distances and need to conserve energy.
Overall, nocturnal migration is a strategy that many birds have evolved to help them safely and efficiently travel long distances.