How Do Birds Know When to Migrate?

Birds have a special clock inside them that tells them when to go on their big trip. It works like a built-in calendar, and it helps them know when the seasons are changing. When it gets colder, they get the signal to fly somewhere warmer.

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Examples

A robin feels the days getting shorter in fall and knows it's time to fly south.
A goose hears the snow coming and starts preparing for its journey to a warmer place.
A sparrow senses colder air and decides it's time to leave the city.

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Categories: Biology · bird migration,animal behavior,biological clocks