Why do birds fly south for the winter?

Question

Why do birds fly south for the winter?

Answer 1

Are you referring to the old people in Michigan?

Answer 2

because supposedly its supposed to be cooler south of the equator but its just something they do to get to a warmer area.

Answer 3

As you are aware (I hope) continents move. In the ancient past, the continents tended to have a southerly drift. As the world's climate changed and new creatures evolved, among them, the birds, the continents continued south. The birds followed the continents. At first it was just a local migration and slowly, it became further and further. Now birds follow the warm air or in the case of the arctic tern, the cold air to their ancient feeding grounds.

Answer 4

They're usually following the insects they eat. The insects either migrate south to survive the cold weather (ex. monarch butterfly), or they hibernate in northern areas, so their range begins further south.

The birds themselves can survive the cold.

Answer 5

To find warmer temperatures where in turn they'll find more food and shelter.

Answer 6

Seasonal food availibility, simple as that, really, and it benefits for the young during the growth periods, as well as breeding purposes.. when the mother needs good nutrition for a parenting animal, to ensure her offspring, the most chances of survival...

Answer 7

  Some don't,but food get's scarce in the winter so south is an option.

Answer 8

To escape the cold weather in the north and because they usually lose their food supply once winter sets in