Every year, the second Saturday of October marks World Migratory Bird Day. If you’ve ever wondered why birds migrate, where they go, or how they navigate, this day was established by ornithologists worldwide to explore these questions.

Birds migrate twice a year: in October, when colder weather drives them from their usual habitats, and again on May 8, when they return from warmer regions to their cherished nesting grounds.

Before these remarkable birds embark on their journeys, here are 7 interesting facts that might satisfy your curiosity about this fascinating phenomenon.

1      You already know that migratory birds can cover vast distances, but just how far and how long does it take?

Migratory birds can fly up to 26,000 kilometers, which takes an average of 533 hours. Some smaller birds travel at speeds of about 48 km/h. Ultimately, this means migratory birds typically fly for about 8 hours a day and need around 66 days to reach their destination.

2. What are the migration routes of birbs and where can we see them?

This group of birds utilizes 8 migration routes worldwide:

• Eastern Atlantic;

• Black / Mediterranean Sea;

• East Asia / East Africa;

• Central Asia;

• East Asia / Australia;

• Pacific Ocean;

• America, Atlantic Ocean;

• America and Central America.

I’m particularly excited that three of these routes cross through Georgia, especially my region of Guria, enriching the legendary land of Kolkhi and its legendary history even further.

Birds have been using these routes for hundreds of years, as they need to stop for food and water during their journey. Guria’s local environment provides the essential resources migratory birds require, making it a common sight to encounter these travelers during the migration period.

3. How many migratory bird species are there?

Did you know that 40% of all bird species are migratory? Imagine the wonder: up to 2,000 species, totaling around 300 million birds, begin migrating in the same direction at the same time!

4. How do migratory birds find their way?

Migratory birds navigate using the sun, stars, moon, shadows, gravity, and ambient temperature. Their ability to migrate directly is instinctual and deeply embedded in their genetics. A fascinating observation is that if you keep a migratory bird in a cage at home during migration season, you’ll notice it tends to fly and rest in one corner of the cage, as if it’s drawn to its natural route.

5. How do migratory birds prepare for migration?

Birds need to build up a sufficient amount of fat in their bodies to fly long distances. To accumulate this energy, they follow a specific "diet" that helps them maintain the necessary body weight for migration.

6. In what part of the day do these marvelous birds fly?

You might think that migratory birds primarily fly during the day, but surprisingly, they prefer to fly at night. As shocking as this may seem - this choice minimizes the risk of encountering predators and hunters. Additionally, flying in the cool evening air, during the hot summer months helps them conserve energy and often boosts their stamina. However, some species, such as cranes and ducks, migrate exclusively during the day, as they rely on their vision for navigation.