Why birds migrate. Which birds are migratory, and which are sedentary

If we talk about which birds are migratory and which are not, then we can devote an entire article to this, which we would not like to do, because it seems to us that the very process of animal migration, as well as its different versions, is much more interesting to describe, rather than transferring migratory birds , Which include swallows, cranes, storks, ducks and other feathered creatures. Their arrival marks the onset of spring, which means that soon it will be summer! Previously, in honor of this, people had fun, spent the holidays, because the new season is a fresh and rich harvest!

All knows ... The Bible!

The Bible mentions the time of arrival of birds, which birds are migratory. It is also said about the mere invasions of the locusts, which was named as the eighth execution of the Egyptians. After all, the locusts were covered with Egyptian earth for several days (to be exact, then three). From her, nowhere could they be saved: neither in houses, nor in the mountains! All this says only one thing: the texts of the Bible - this is one of the first written documents that describe the migration of animals and birds!

What kind of migratory birds saved the Israelites, and where do the fish disappear?

Hungry, depleted, feeble Israelis were dying in the desert ... According to the Book of Numbers, flocks of migratory quails were rescued from starvation by deaths, which were hit by a strong wind to the ground. It is important that when the Old Testament talks about the migration of animals, the regularity of this phenomenon, which is an important part of the life of animals and birds, is constantly emphasized. By the way, these seasonal phenomena were manifested not only in the air and on land, but also in the seas, lakes and rivers. At that time, people could not understand where the fishes disappear at a certain time of the year, and why they appear again in a few months. Eternal questions about what it is, why and how it happens, which birds are migratory, and which are sedentary, were a jolt to the mind and imagination of ancient people. They simply had to get all the answers in the end!

Versions, guesses, facts ...

The great scientist and philosopher Aristotle in one of his books tried to explain this behavior of animals and birds. For several thousand years this version was undeniable. In principle, his views contained both true facts, personal conjectures and considerations that did not correspond to reality. He absolutely accurately divided all the animals and birds into migrating at certain times of the year and to sedentary (those who do not go anywhere for the winter). For example, he quite accurately explained not only which birds are migratory, but which are not going anywhere, remaining to spend the winter on the spot, but also gave examples of them, indicating that he is attentive when observing the behavior of living beings. For example, pelicans, swallows, cranes migrate. At the same time Aristotle stressed that the birds coming from the cold to the heat are much fatter than those that fly to the north from the south! Subsequently, his observations were fully confirmed.

There were other versions, opinions, guesses ... There were absolutely fantastic theories. For example, that birds fly away to winter on ... the moon! But how then to be small birds, because the path to the moon, to put it mildly, is not close. They explained it this way: small bird species exploit large ones as a "public transport". In general, however that may be, migratory birds returning to their native lands in spring are an indisputable sign of the onset of warm days, a new harvest and, in general, an excellent summer mood!