What are migratory birds?
Avian migration is a natural process, whereby different birds fly over distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometres in order to find the best ecological conditions and habitats for feeding, breeding and raising their young. For instance, when the conditions in the breeding grounds become very difficult due to low temperatures, migratory birds fly to regions where conditions are better. There are many different migration patterns. Most birds migrate from northern breeding areas in the summer, to southern wintering grounds. However, some birds breed in the far south of Africa, and migrate to northern wintering grounds, or horizontally, to enjoy the milder coastal climates in winter. Other birds migrate in terms of altitude, moving higher up a mountain in summer, and wintering on lowlands.Migratory birds have the perfect morphology and physiology to fly fast and over long distances. However, they often experience an exhausting journey during which they go to their limits. The Red Knot
